Have you ever used this ?

**Cliff** · 05-22-2010, 05:55 AM

I have a question for all of you who build your own tank stands

I’m working on a tank stand right now for my 90 gallon. Just wondering if anyone has ever used the water based urethane in a aerosol spray can before ? I’ve used some of the non water based urethane in a spray can for restoring rifle stocks, but I’ve never used the water based stuff.

I’ve been thinking of trying it on my current build

Any thoughts are appreciated

**Northernguy** · 05-22-2010, 01:19 PM

I don't like the water based finishes because of the way the make some of the grain swell.Some like that effect.I also prefer to brush it on.
I don't think it would matter as long as enough coats are applied.Try it on some scrap pieces first.

**190MPH** · 05-22-2010, 01:21 PM

Did you stain the stand already? If you used oil based stain, I'd definately stick to an oil based, brush on polyurethane. And vice-versa if you use water based. Personally, for a fish tank stand, I would use oil based products. I used Watco Danish Oil on my 125 stand and 2 coats of brush on poly. I haven't seen too much about the spray on stuff, but I'd say it is more designed for staining little knick-knack type stuff.

**Cliff** · 05-22-2010, 01:47 PM

Thanks guys.

The stand was stained a week ago with 3 coats of minwax Early Amarican

I'll give the non water based stuff a try on my test boards (the ones I used to match my stain color to my current furniture) to see if the spray can is easier.

I usally brush-on the urethane but I'm getting more than excited to set-up my new tank and was thinking about ways to save some time.

**190MPH** · 05-22-2010, 02:23 PM

Patience grasshopper! A few extra hours up front to do it right may save you alot of heartache down the road. Good Luck!

**Northernguy** · 05-22-2010, 02:24 PM

I suggest using brush on varathane.Its great stuff!

Thin out the first coat with a wee bit of thinner so it can soak in better.The second and third coats do not thin out.
The spray stuff can be unforgiving with runs or missed sections.With a brush it goes on thick enough that you get proper coverage.You still have to watch for runs but it is better then trying to stop a run with aerosol.

**gadget228** · 05-22-2010, 02:27 PM

Know how you feel about getting it all done but now isn't the time to get in a hurry, you took time building your stand and getting it stained, the time you invest in the finish coat is what will make it look best. Looking forward to seeing it when you get pic's posted.

**Cliff** · 05-22-2010, 10:04 PM

Thanks guys, I got the message

Just finished brushing on the first coat a few hours ago.

I"m planning on 4 coats (with a light sanding in between). I will see how it looks after that and take it form there.

Thanks for the advice

**Sarkazmo** · 05-23-2010, 06:57 AM

Sand it like crazy, use a filler to mask the grain, then do it up in black lacquer, highly polished. :)

Paint the back of the tank black too.

Sark

**Cliff** · 05-23-2010, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by Sarkazmo

Sand it like crazy, use a filler to mask the grain, then do it up in black lacquer, highly polished. :)

Paint the back of the tank black too.

Sark

My wife and I were talking about a black stand. She thought it would look really cool. We were worried that it would not match any of other furniture that we have in our living room. We have a lot of solid wood furniture that I built from those kits you can buy at places like Lows, Rona, and Home Depot. I wanted to finish it to match those pcs.

I’ve been thinking about up-grading my 36 gallon to a 75 sometime next year. If I get a chance to do that, the stand I build for that tank will be black. That would really look good with the furniture in the basement (which is were that tank would go). Either a nice lacquer finish or a black wood stain (depending on the wood that I use)

Thanks for the idea Sark