The FrankenReefer 450

[That Crusso Kid]

Interesting! Does it go on relatively thin, like a paint? Or is it thick/lumpy enough that it could potentially interfere with tight joinery?

If the latter, I wonder if it can be thinned prior to application… it sounds like I have some research to do!

Goes on thin. They recommend not thinning it and, really, it doesn't need it. I thought of spraying it but didn't want to take a chance and ruin one of my sprayers. Maybe, if I had a cheaper sprayer, I would have given it a shot.

 

[Fish Fan]

I've never used the Pond Liner product, but I have seen where people use it to waterproof plywood tanks for fish and turtles. It seems to work well, but it can be prone to being chipped away or damaged (think turtle shells bashing into it), but for inside of a stand it's probably fine.

Honestly, I don't really use fancy finishes, I have always used typically polyurethanes, which work well for me. I've used Minwax Polycrylic water based clear coat on several stands and it's worked well for me around both fresh and saltwater.

Recently, I finished a stand with General Finishes Arm-R-Seal urethane, this worked very well I thought. I can't speak for long-term yet, but it's looking quite promising. This is a popular clear coat for things like table tops, it's said to be very resistant to stains from things like coffee and wine, and holds up to typical cleaners. It was very easy to apply, basically just wipe on.

https://generalfinishes.com/wood-finishes-retail/oil-based-topcoats/arm-r-seal-oil-based-topcoat

I hope this helps and good luck with your build!