What do I need to turn marine ply into coffee table?

Webxite

Hi Moneysavers.
I've bought a couple of pieces of marine ply to turn into coffee tables (with hairpin legs because I'm just so original!). I was wondering what sort of stuff I need to coat the plywood in so that it can cope with the odd drink spillage etc? I'd prefer a non-shiny finish if possible.

Ganga

Sand down to get a good finish,wood stain to suite your taste then matt varnish,job done

SHAFT

Ganga wrote: »

Sand down to get a good finish,wood stain to suite your taste then matt varnish,job done

I wouldn't give it too much of a sanding or else you'll be through the veneer.

Webxite

Thanks so much for the advice. We finally finished the last of the tables last night. The matte varnish was a great shout, and has given us the look we were after. After the first coat it didn't look great - there were white patches and I was worried we'd gone wrong, but that disappeared with the second coat and now they look great. I also think if I'd known more I wouldn't have bothered with marine ply - it's rock hard and we didn't need that level of strength for two tiny tables.

It's an amazing feeling to look at a couple of pieces of furniture and think "we made that". We've got the bug now. Next step is a window seat!

knightstyle

Use MDF for the window seat, our supplier cuts nice and square for free.
But wear a mask when sanding it.