first deck

[vanstheman]

So basically I just got some 9 ply baltic birch and I'm going to cut a simple deck out of it. Do I need to coat it in anything after I cut it out or can I just leave the wood as is? I have seen a lot about this sort of thing, but it's always with fiberglass and veneers. Mine is basically going to be a hunk of plywood with wheels. take it easy on me because I have no idea what I'm doing in this respect, really.

[CrisVA]

It's good to cover it in something like urethane so it is protected. Basically when it dried your deck is incased in plastic; it makes it last longer.

The water based 'thane will dry faster but leave bubbles easier, and the oil based goes on smoother but reeks to heaven and takes longer to dry.

[vanstheman]

what about marine resin? I havea friend who uses that, but on the other hand he uses regular plywood too, so I dunno.

[CrisVA]

what about marine resin? I havea friend who uses that, but on the other hand he uses regular plywood too, so I dunno.

Havn't used it, so I can't say.

[vanstheman]

so can I get the urethane at home depot or a hardware store? and I am seriously new to this whole thing, so if I can get it there, what do I ask for when I'm looking for it?

[Iron Chef]

I use polyurethane lacquer because that's what I've used on guitar projects in the past.

I like the minwax oil based stuff, but waterbased works too (easier), and brand names aren't going to matter a whole lot I suspect.

Just look for (ask for) the lacquers or clear coats, it'll be in with stains and varethane and stuff I suspect.

[vanstheman]

thanks a bunch, I'll let you know how it goes

[vanstheman]

ok, so plans got changed. Someone talked me into painting it. But anyway, should I put a coat of urethane on first then paint it? I was also wondering about the spray on urethane, is this better or should I go with the the other?

[W_D_400]

A few Times I used Cetol* for varnish. I think that falls under the marine Resin Category, Really Good Stuff, Gave A nice Finish. I think I was Using birch plywood to.

[vanstheman]

just waiting for the urethane to dry. . . . I'm impatient.