Finish Recommendation Needed

[Bryan Lisowski]

I am working on a project and could use some recommendations. I renovated my bathroom and with a couple minor things will be done. During demo we found 12 in wide boards on the walls. The misses wants a couple of shelves out of the wood for photos and other decorative items, what would be the best finish for the bathroom? I was thinking shellac or lacquer, but any other recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks
Bryan

[John Sanford]

I am working on a project and could use some recommendations. I renovated my bathroom and with a couple minor things will be done. During demo we found 12 in wide boards on the walls. The misses wants a couple of shelves out of the wood for photos and other decorative items, what would be the best finish for the bathroom? I was thinking shellac or lacquer, but any other recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks
Bryan

For a bathroom in New Jersey? I'm thinking a marine varnish would be the best long term solution, especially since they're going to be horizontal surfaces. Lacquer and shellac aren't as rough and tough, BUT they're also a lot easier to repair if needed. If you go with lacquer, make sure everybody knows not to be setting dripping nail polish remover brushes on the shelf...

[Bryan Lisowski]

John

thanks for the reply, I am not close to the ocean, but it is worth considering. Also the shelves are for decorative things like pictures, basket with towels, or other things the misses wants.

[Prashun Patel]

Nail polish remover is the bane of ANY finish (available to the homeowner). I have a 10 year old daughter who has tested this well.

[Steve Schoene]

Marine varnish is not needed. It is NOT more water resistant that good oil based interior varnish. (It's merits are UV resistance, and flexibility since boats flex quite a bit.) I'd apply a coat or two of shellac and topcoat with a good varnish, such as Pratt & Lambert 38 or Waterlox.