The Historic District

Aside from poly that is.. hate the stuff.

Was reading an article on shellac that said its not good for kitchens/bathrooms due to high humidity. So what can I use instead? The wood in my bathroom was originally stained (then painted over numerous times) and well paint is off the table as I want the original stained look. Was wondering what to use, as it was originally stained I was wondering what they might have used originally.

Thanks,

Shellac is not quite as bad as some make out in damper environs, but I used helmsman spar urethane on the wood in my bathroom. Only place I have ever used poly - I like the finish and it has held up well in the intervening years. It was rated for exterior as well as interior use.

How about the Waterlox stuff Mick likes. I think, as a clear finish over stain it should be tough enough to handle a bathroom environment.

Gothichome wrote:How about the Waterlox stuff Mick likes. I think, as a clear finish over stain it should be tough enough to handle a bathroom environment.

I am no fan of Waterlox - I do like Rubio Monocoat for floors though.

to answer the "what was it originally" it would have been either shellac or good old fashioned varnish. Both would likely have had a recoat quite often. My octogenarian farmer friend recalls his mother redoing all the varnish in the kitchen as an annual ritual. A lot of it still exists to this day in his house - it is thick and dark with an amazing patina

Mick, the Rubio is what I had in mind for that suggestion. Some were between the brain and the key board it turned out waterlox.

of course lacquer is another alternative. though it's susceptible to wet environments as well. I guess it depends how wet it's going to get.

For damp environments like bathrooms, I'd use either Waterlox or spar varnish. Even with those, I'd expect to have to re-do it every few years.

I see, thanks for the insight everyone. Much appreciated.

I used repurposed beadboard in my bath. Of course we open up the door right away to share the humidity with the rest of the house and cloudy finish on the wood has not been a problem at all.