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Garage cabinet finish opinions

bullshot
I bought some unfinished oak front cabinets for my garage and I'm thinking that I will finish them either with boiled linseed oil or satin polyurethane as I could do either one without all the mess of priming, spraying etc.
Any opinions either way?
3

Comments

12 comments

Date Votes
  • asop
    Garage!  I'd use one of those stain-sealer products.  One wipe does it all :)
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  • chiefr
    Poly in a garage. If the bottoms are made of particleboard, I would replace or make sure liquid of any type never comes in contact. Particleboard sucks.  
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  • bullshot
    I don't want to stain them just coat them with something that will make them last a little longer.
    10-4 on the cabinet bottoms, even on the good ones I put cross supports on the bottom of base cabinets before install.
    I did a very small test swipe on a part of the cabinet that won't be seen one with poly and one with BLO, the oil is just a bit darker than the poly. The poly is dry of course and the oil will take a couple of days which is pushing me towards the poly.
    I want to keep them light oak colored, brightens up the garage some.
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  • nononsense
    For the Boiled Linseed Oil to be effective for protection, multiple coats have to be applied one at a time then wiped back and allowed to dry over a period of days between coats.

    The best protection is the Poly.

    Best.

    3
  • JimmyJack
    Poly is the way to go.
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  • bullshot
    .
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  • love2shoot
    Several coats of poly.
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  • KenK/84Bravo

    I would lean toward the Poly. Better protection. One application.

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  • NeoBlackdog
    Look at the Watco brand finishes.  Waaaay easier to apply than poly, and far easier to touch up if you get a scratch in the finish.  Lots of different color options.   Yes it takes a little longer to apply, but IMNSHO is a better finish for garage cabinets.  You also don't have to worry so much about getting dust and debris in the finish during the application process.  There's also no sanding required between coats. 
    I'd use some adjustable leg inserts in the bases to elevate the cabinets slightly off the floor so that the wood is not in direct contact with the concrete.  That will also make it easier to get them level when you do install them and will give you some adjustment if things settle.  
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  • SCOUT5
    nononsense said:
    For the Boiled Linseed Oil to be effective for protection, multiple coats have to be applied one at a time then wiped back and allowed to dry over a period of days between coats.

    The best protection is the Poly.

    Best.

    I agree
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  • Butchdog2
    The way it should be.
    1 coat of good water base sanding sealer. Let dry then lightly sand.
    As mentioned coat all parts/pieces of the cabinet, moisture will swell it up and could cause scrap heap blues.
    2 coats water based poly, lightly sand between coats. One coat will do unless you want the best look.
    Oil base only finishes will yellow in time and stink to the high heaven for a few days after application.
    This is kind of like the 308 or ought six thread.
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  • bullshot
    Thanks guys, going with the poly
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