How to seal a plank board for a shelf?

Question

I need to seal an old piece of wood that I'm using for a shelf in a kitchen.  It's very rustic.  i've sanded it some, but it still has some splintering on edges.  This won't hurt anything, I'm mainly wanting to make it easier for dusting.

Johnchip · Answer

I would apply a few coats of varathane, a marine varnish. It will seal, waterproof, make almost a clear plastic coated like finish (think boat hull) lasts forever.

William · Answer

Three coats of water based polyurethane would work. Lightly sand in between coats. Water based poly won't yellow over time like oil based poly.

Stephanie corley · Answer

You may also want to check the Valspar paints. I used the canned clear coat on everything. An antique dealer told me about this.

Ruidoso · Answer

These are all great suggestions.  I have even used various shades of Old English on rough shelves.  Just repeat applications smooths out the rough spots.  If you do any of these ideas, you will be so happy when you have to dust them/-)

Paul · Answer

You could go all natural. Pioneer Wood Patina has a Natural Beeswax Paste which is made from all food grade products. WWW.PIONEER-WOOD.COM

Tova Pearl · Answer

I've used two coats of the clear water based poly that someone suggested above. It's been about three years and holding up well, though it's not in the kitchen: if your shelf is gonna get a lot of steam hitting it then i would put on a few more coats.

R4m54283590 · Answer

Journeyman Painter 35yrs.

Start out with a good coat of Shellac, either blonde or clear or Amber. it comes from Zinsser and get the Yellow can....

How to seal a plank board for a shelf?

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How to seal a plank board for a shelf?

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