How to waterproof wood

[Aaron75]

This is my stand, my plan is to use 15/32 plywood to put down on the ground and on the top and then skin with 4 panels. I'd like the skin to just be black, don't need wood grain or anything. If anybody could suggest or even link some products at the big orange store to essentially waterproof the wood it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kershaw]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/FLEX-SE...id-Rubber-Sealant-Coating-LFSBLKR32/301711448

 

[Fish Fan]

Nice job on the build!

I like woodworking, and I've built my fair share of stands, though I'm certainly not an expert. I believe you'll get replies here ranging from basic, exterior house paint, to fancy 17 part epoxy paints they use on submarines somewhere in the Artic Circle. Clearly, somewhere in the middle is likely "best".

I believe Spar Urethane would be traditional and popular choice:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Minwax-Hel...mquv6YDSU7BJKMOuLuAaAm36EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
In the past I have used MinWax PolyCrylic clear coat on stands, and I can say it holds up very well. However, I only very recently used it on my most recent build that's white, and in just a few months times it's noticeably yellowing. This was not really noticeable on past stands that were painted black and blue:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Minwax-P...33jiMFXVVTWyP-6TIW-R7SiX2-Fb7T9caAu60EALw_wcB
I am tagging along to see what others suggest using.

Good luck!

 

[Fish Fan]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/FLEX-SE...id-Rubber-Sealant-Coating-LFSBLKR32/301711448

For plywood??

 

[Aaron75]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/FLEX-SE...id-Rubber-Sealant-Coating-LFSBLKR32/301711448

Huh, you know what, that just might work

 

[Fish Fan]

Huh, you know what, that just might work

Friend, this is a rubberized coating, this isn't exactly a finish you'd want in your living room, nor will it absorb into the wood so you can paint over it.

And, in my very non-expert opinon, there's no need to "waterproof" the wood. "Water resistant" is just fine. Your tank stand will (hopefully) never be underwater, and I don't think it's seeing any time up in the Artic Circle :)

 

[Aaron75]

Friend, this is a rubberized coating, this isn't exactly a finish you'd want in your living room, nor will it absorb into the wood so you can paint over it.

And, in my very non-expert opinon, there's no need to "waterproof" the wood. "Water resistant" is just fine. Your tank stand will (hopefully) never be underwater, and I don't think it's seeing any time up in the Artic Circle :)

So a Google search shows that basically any oil based paint will provide me with water resistance? Does that track?

 

[Peace River]

So a Google search shows that basically any oil based paint will provide me with water resistance? Does that track?

while that is the traditional feedback, I have found that gloss rustoleum or marine paints hold up better on stands

 

[Aaron75]

while that is the traditional feedback, I have found that gloss rustoleum or marine paints hold up better on stands

I was just looking at Rustoleum. The gloss black protective enamel should be good right?

 

[Fish Fan]

I was just looking at Rustoleum. The gloss black protective enamel should be good right?

I don't mean to speak for @Peace River, but Rustolium paints are tried and true, they will last for years, and would be an excellent choice, in my very non expert opinion.

I don't think an aquarium stand needs to be waterproof, simply water resistant.

 

[Aaron75]

I don't mean to speak for @Peace River, but Rustolium paints are tried and true, they will last for years, and would be an excellent choice, in my very non expert opinion.

I don't think an aquarium stand needs to be waterproof, simply water resistant.

Awesome. So start with kilz oil based primer then follow it up with rustoleum oil based enamel. Sound like a solid plan?

 

[Fish Fan]

Awesome. So start with kilz oil based primer then follow it up with rustoleum oil based enamel. Sound like a solid plan?

That sounds like a great plan!

 

[Peace River]

Awesome. So start with kilz oil based primer then follow it up with rustoleum oil based enamel. Sound like a solid plan?

What you described is a good plan. There may be other opinions, but I am sharing what has worked for me on multiple wooden stands. The few other tips that I would add is to caulk the joints, make sure that the oil paint is allowed to dry in a mid to low humidity space, and make sure the paint is fully dry before you move to the next step (don’t rush it).

 

[Aaron75]

What you described is a good plan. There may be other opinions, but I am sharing what has worked for me on multiple wooden stands. The few other tips that I would add is to caulk the joints, make sure that the oil paint is allowed to dry in a mid to low humidity space, and make sure the paint is fully dry before you move to the next step (don’t rush it).

Appreciate it, I probably won't be caulking anything because it isn't meant to be air tight, the steel stand is still the base. But yes, I will be making sure to take my time, there are a few reviews of the rustoleum being tacky because people don't let it cure long enough

 

[mpatterson42]

I used Rust-Oleum Automotive Matte Finish Spray Paint. Seems to be holding up well, but I ended up needing more than I thought, you'd probably need 4 cans to do what you're planning on doing if you're going to double coat.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Polyurethane finish for stained wood finish to water proof. Avoid Spar varnish as the vapors kill fish.

 

[Fish Fan]

Polyurethane finish for stained wood finish to water proof. Avoid Spar varnish as the vapors kill fish.

Not once it's dry, perfectly safe then.

 

[Lowell Lemon]

Not once it's dry, perfectly safe then.

Customer had a tank of African Cichlids killed by Spar Varnish after a week of drying...not a good choice. The customer used the Spar varnish against my recommendations and killed all his fish. Even after a week out in the sun the vapors in the office were overwhelming.

Proceed at your own risk, I am referring to oil based Spar Varnish not polyurethane.