What finish for knock-down project?

[Eric Brown]

Here is my situation:
1. Plywood tool cabinet with rabbets and dados.
2. It all unbolts for moving.
3. I'm working in a poorly ventilated basement.
4. Have plenty of time to dry in 70 degree area.
5. Prefer to either wipe or brush. (no sprayer)

What finish would not bond to itself and allow disassembly later.

Thanks in advance for all suggestions.

[Ray Schafer]

OK, I will beat Jim to it and say -- boiled linseed oil.

[Jamie Buxton]

Suggestion: no finish at all. Shop cabinets don't face water or oil or other stains, so finish isn't really necessary. Besides, if shop cabinets do get a few stains or knicks or such, what's the problem?

Alternative suggestion.. wipe-on varnish. You can use a commercial product like MinWax's Wipe-on Poly, or you can make your own by thinning conventional varnish. Wipe-on varnish takes the same amount of work as boiled linseed oil to apply, but offers more protection against water and oil.

[Paul Atkins]

I made several traveling trade show displays/booths that had a hard life. I used water based Diamond Finish (Flecto I think) and they got slid, dragged, set in hot Sacramento sun and freezing Philly winter and they just needed a touch up once and a while or a scotchbrite rubbing out. I sprayed it a few times, but the brushed finish was just as good. It has to be really dry before you stack it together though.

[Jim Becker]

OK, I will beat Jim to it and say -- boiled linseed oil.

What he said...

[Eric Brown]

OK, it looks like I'll try the boiled linseed oil.
Thanks all.

[Chris Ricker]

be careful with the rags, Eric. dispose of them properly!