Need advice on coating/finishing

[Bob Savage]

I have a product that I'm going to begin offering which is a growler carrier. Many microbreweries have tasting rooms and offer growler (generally 1/2 gallon jugs of beer) refills, but the growlers aren't easy to transport because they roll all over the place during transport, plus many people have more than one growler so I'm offering a 2 and soon, 4 growler carrier.

They're made from 3/4" Baltic Birch ply and I'm looking for a cost effective way to coat/paint them to help protect them against moisture, etc. I've had a few coated with the Line-X product that's used for truck beds and while it's very durable, it's not inexpensive and I'm not thrilled with the way it looks.

I'm looking for input on different coatings/paint that I could use to protect these, but keep the cost down as well since the plywood ones need to be economical (I'm doing hardwood as well).

Any ideas? If it's a simple process, I can do them myself but I'm also not opposed to sending them off to a specialty coating shop as long as I can keep the coating cost per each down to about $10-$15.

Thanks

[Bruce Volden]

I believe they make assorted colors of vinyl in a spray can. Would this be of interest?

Bruce

[Brian Breshears]

Perhaps smooth-on might have some good products for this? I've never used their stuff (yet) but I've seen good reviews. www dot smooth-on dot com.

[Bob Savage]

Thanks Bruce.

Perhaps smooth-on might have some good products for this? I've never used their stuff (yet) but I've seen good reviews. www dot smooth-on dot com.

Looks like their Stryocoat product may be exactly what I'm looking for. Now to find out the cost for the spray mechanism and the materials. Thanks Brian.

[Jerome Stanek]

Have you thought about spray in truck liner to coat these.

[George Brown]

I think you'll find the styrocoat a little expensive. Have you considered just Behr opaque stain. It is rated for outdoor use, won't peal, and protects the wood.

[Bob Savage]

I think you'll find the styrocoat a little expensive. Have you considered just Behr opaque stain. It is rated for outdoor use, won't peal, and protects the wood.

Yes, I checked out Strycoat and it's too expensive. I hadn't considered the Behr product. Are you referring to the "Transparent Waterproofing Wood Finish product?

Edit: never mind, found what you're talking about. Looks promising.

[John Coloccia]

How about marine varnish?

[Bob Savage]

How about marine varnish?

I love spar varnish but it takes too long to dry between coats. The Behr waterproofing stain looks very promising and reasonably priced.

[George Carlson]

Why not try pre-finished birch plywood. It has 5 coats of UV cured laquer that are very rugged. All you would have to do is finish the edges.