I know, I know, pointers on finishing with an hvlp system have been covered in many different ways on many different posts.
But... I tried to read too many of them and have myself all twisted up on what is the most direct route to go.
On top of it, I stopped by the local SW store to ask about what product options they have available. That didn't help as the person I talked to didn't really side with any of the comments I've read so far.
If I may ask for a bit of a pathway to go on for the following project:
Putting together a custom vanity for our downstairs bathroom. Have a local mill shop that offers decent prices for ready to go soft maple in various sizes and lengths. They don't have a maple plywood panel, but they do have 3/4" birch plywood. All items are already sanded down including edges. Obviously a bit of work is still needed after everything is cut down to size, but for the most part it's 90% ready to work with.
So that is the wood options that I have to work with.
My wife is wanting a gray tint to the base, matching with a white slab on top. The exact tint of gray is still being narrowed down.
I currently have an Earlex 5500 unit I picked up from woodcraft last fall. Eager to make this thing pay itself off, but with few options for a heated environment for winter it hasn't seen much use.
So far, I've seen people give a rundown of sealing the whole setup with dewaxed shellac, or going with a lacquer undercoating as the primer. Then move to a pre-cat lacquer, or a conversion varnish. I understand the aspects of what needs to be done in order, but which route combo would be the most ideal for what I'm working with?
Like I mentioned initially, I run myself silly trying to define a clear path I should try. If anyone can spare a minute to set me on the right path.
thank you