How should I finish a raw pine aquarium cabinet

[flaggy]

Hi guys, I am thinking of buying a raw pine aquarium cabinet, but am not sure what's the best / easiest way to finish it. Would it be too much bother to stain it or should I just paint it black? What would you do?

Cheers

[ILLUSN]

just paint it with an oil based paint paint you'll get a nice gloss finish that practicly water proof if you do it properly.

[flaggy]

Thanks Illusn

Do you (or anyone else) know of any good cabinet makers who are able to make aquarium cabinets? I wonder if it is cheaper to buy direct from the cabinet makers rather than the LFSs...

Cheers

[norto]

Hey flaggy,
In a previous occupation I used to make wooden stands for ceramic water dispensers, i used to finish them with a product from Bunnings which is a stain and an estapol all in one, with a couple of coates they used to come out sensational but I used to apply it with a spray gun.... if you don't have a spray gun you can just use a brush but make sure it has fine brissels and it should come up great.
Regards,
Norto.

[Doug Osborn]

I think it probably depends on the finish you're after. Waterproofing is certainly a major consideration, but appearance possibly is also (depending on the intended purpose of the tank).

I'm doing exactly the same with a 6'*2' stand and hood at the moment. I chose a finish ("Australian Jarrah") that my wife agreed to :) which requires staining then three layers of "cabothane". Doing it all by hand with sand paper and paint brush, taking ages.

Cheers,
Doug

[rwel4809]

Thanks Illusn

Do you (or anyone else) know of any good cabinet makers who are able to make aquarium cabinets? I wonder if it is cheaper to buy direct from the cabinet makers rather than the LFSs...

Cheers

I had my cabinet and tank made by a guy in western sydney, near campbelltown.. He was quite cheap and I was really happy with it. I'll PM you the details...

R

[BigDaddyAdo]

Ummmmm...I think he has probably sorted it out by now...;)



Ado

[flaggy]

hey, thanks guys... my plans are on hold for now till after xmas so i can plan my 5 x 2 x 2 properly. definitely still useful information though.

cheers
flaggy