I had an idea the other day to build a new medicine chest for our
bathroom, one that can be positioned so that SWMBO can swing the
mirrored door such that she see the back of her hair in the main
mirror. A simple carcass with through dovetails for the shelves and a
mitered frame for the mirrored door. It would give me a chance to
learn some techniques I've been wanting to try.
But I'm not sure about good wood choices for such a project. A
bathroom goes through a wide swing of temperature and humidity changes
everyday with people using the shower. SWMBO, especially, loves to
fill the bathroom with steam and keep it locked in after her shower.
One usually considers wood movement due to seasonal changes, but what
about daily ones? What would be my best choices in this type of
environment? And what finishes would do well in there as well.
As always, TIA,
Ian
Ian Dodd wrote:
> One usually considers wood movement due to seasonal changes, but what
> about daily ones? What would be my best choices in this type of
> environment? And what finishes would do well in there as well.
I wouldn't be too concerned about wood movement caused by the temporary
high moisture content of the air. The short length of time the moisture
content is high will cause little problem for any type of wood with a film
finish since the wood would be sealed..
Having three females in the family, I would be more concerned with the
solvents to which the finish most likely will be subjected. Hairspray,
spray perfumes, nail polish remover, bathroom cleansers, etc. can raise
havoc with evaporative type finishes. I'd use a reactive type finish.
For ease of application a wipe-on poly should work.
--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
(Remove "SPAM" from email address to reply)
On 16 Nov 2003 10:30:56 -0800, [email protected] (Ian Dodd) wrote:
>I had an idea the other day to build a new medicine chest for our
>bathroom, one that can be positioned so that SWMBO can swing the
>mirrored door such that she see the back of her hair in the main
>mirror. A simple carcass with through dovetails for the shelves and a
>mitered frame for the mirrored door. It would give me a chance to
>learn some techniques I've been wanting to try.
>
>But I'm not sure about good wood choices for such a project. A
>bathroom goes through a wide swing of temperature and humidity changes
>everyday with people using the shower. SWMBO, especially, loves to
>fill the bathroom with steam and keep it locked in after her shower.
>
>One usually considers wood movement due to seasonal changes, but what
>about daily ones? What would be my best choices in this type of
>environment? And what finishes would do well in there as well.
>
>As always, TIA,
>Ian
My bathrooms have oak cabinets and drawers, same style and finish as
the kitchen. If you are going to paint it, use popular and a
bath/kitchen paint. Most people don't have enough bathroom
ventilation, or don't use the fan long enough (20 minutes) after a
shower to prevent mold/mildew problems. You could install an auto-off
fan switch.
I've got oak in 2 bathrooms. Vanities and medicine cabinets. Not a
problem with any of them, but we use exhaust fans to reduce moisture
(and other airborne "contaminates"...).
I'm guessing CV or poly is your best bets for finishing. I'm still
trying to decide if I want the hassle of CV for my oak desk which is
nearing completion--tomorrow, actually. The hassle being xylene.
dave
Ian Dodd wrote:
> I had an idea the other day to build a new medicine chest for our
> bathroom, one that can be positioned so that SWMBO can swing the
> mirrored door such that she see the back of her hair in the main
> mirror. A simple carcass with through dovetails for the shelves and a
> mitered frame for the mirrored door. It would give me a chance to
> learn some techniques I've been wanting to try.
>
> But I'm not sure about good wood choices for such a project. A
> bathroom goes through a wide swing of temperature and humidity changes
> everyday with people using the shower. SWMBO, especially, loves to
> fill the bathroom with steam and keep it locked in after her shower.
>
> One usually considers wood movement due to seasonal changes, but what
> about daily ones? What would be my best choices in this type of
> environment? And what finishes would do well in there as well.
>
> As always, TIA,
> Ian
Is your wife kin to mine? the steam part made me wonder. Use the
pocket hole method of making it and don't worry any more. As long as
you seal it well.
On 16 Nov 2003 10:30:56 -0800, [email protected] (Ian Dodd) wrote:
>I had an idea the other day to build a new medicine chest for our
>bathroom, one that can be positioned so that SWMBO can swing the
>mirrored door such that she see the back of her hair in the main
>mirror. A simple carcass with through dovetails for the shelves and a
>mitered frame for the mirrored door. It would give me a chance to
>learn some techniques I've been wanting to try.
>
>But I'm not sure about good wood choices for such a project. A
>bathroom goes through a wide swing of temperature and humidity changes
>everyday with people using the shower. SWMBO, especially, loves to
>fill the bathroom with steam and keep it locked in after her shower.
>
>One usually considers wood movement due to seasonal changes, but what
>about daily ones? What would be my best choices in this type of
>environment? And what finishes would do well in there as well.
>
>As always, TIA,
>Ian