John Steinberg:
I'm *consulting on the construction of a truss tube Dob and the rocker
box is nearing completion. Ideally, it will be stained with a
water-based but water-resistant clear stain that lets the beauty of the
wood show through with zero or minimal color/tint added.

I'm off to Lowes and/or Home Depot later today and soliciting brand
names and/or the type of product most suitable for this type of job.

The shop in question is poorly ventilated so if there's something on
the market that does the above without noxious fumes, still better.

If nothing available meets the listed criteria, what would be the best
product to achieve a durable, clear finish on the rocker box?

Thanks for any authoritative replies.

Minwax Polycrylic is a water-based polyurethane that will keep fumes to
a minimum and provide a handsome finish. I recommend the satin. It will
not yellow. It is easy to apply.

Someone mentioned spar varnish as the best outdoor finish. That's true,
but it should be mentioned that it's the best of a poor lot; there is
no such thing as a clear finish that will stand up to UV. Only paints
will do that. I'm assuming that the truss-tube and rocker box will not
be exposed to the sun day-in and day-out. If that's so, the Minwax that
I mentioned will be quite suitable.

Finishing tip: don't over-sand the wood. There is the risk of sanding
through the thin outer ply. A light hand-sanding with 120 or 150 grit
will be adequate. Save the sanding for the finish; for the first two or
three coats follow the instructions on the can; then wet sand with 600
grit, followed by finer grits, down as far as necessary for the desired
smoothness. Very fine grits are available at better auto supply stores
under the 3M brand. A final burnishing with burlap will leave a really
great finish. Finishing requires time and patience; it will not be
hurried.

Davoud

I hope this reaches you in time; I've been away in North Carolina,
where life is so primitive and the people so out of touch with the
world that many of them actually have "Bush" signs in their front yards
-- though a surprising number have been awake the past four years and
have Kerry signs.

--
usenet *at* davidillig dawt com