How should I finish the AV1s (1 Viewer)

[AlexKunec]

I ordered an AV1 kit from GR Research, and im not sure what kind of a finish I should put on it.

I put about 4 coats of Black Gloss, and sanded between every coat but now it looks like crap. Every imperfection is visible, and there are plenty. I need to put on something that hides my little mistakes, and isn't very expensive. I also have to make somekind of a grill for it. Any suggestions?

 

[Brian Bunge]

Alex,

If you need something cheap, then you might as well just use a textured black finish. They are the most forgiving and will cover up a lot of sins.

Brian

 

[Hank Frankenberg]

Alex, Brian is correct. I understand Rustoleum has a black textured (crinkle?) spray paint. Some guys have used pickup bed liner spray bought at auto parts dealers.
I would not do a gloss paint finish. The surface has to be perfect and there's lots of labor hours in the wet sanding and recoating process. Next time try laminate or veneer.

 

[AlexKunec]

Sounds good. Now is it spray paint, or regular?
Where can you buy it?

 

[Brian Bunge]

Rust Oleum has a black textured spray paint that's really made for grills, garden furniture, etc. that I have used. It's a really light texture and as long as you use primer underneath it should cover most flaws pretty well.

They also make a Hammerite (or something like that) spray paint that gives a more metal finish but I have not used it yet.

You should be able to find either at Wal-Mart, Lowe's, HD, etc. in a variety of colors.

Brian

 

[Zac_F]

You might also want to consider Gloss black Formica or other brand of laminate. Its not too difficult to apply and it will give you the look you want. Get a laminate trimming bit for your router if you don't already have one.

 

[Martice]

Hi All. I am watching this thread closely because I have not yet had my cabinets finished so your ideas are being noted. I was going to have the autobody shop guy do it but I chose to go with someone who has done work for me before in the past.

Hi Brian. Have you finished your AV1+'s yet?

 

[Brian Bunge]

Hi Martice,

No I haven't finished the A/V-1+'s yet. I do have all the material cut out for them though. I just have to finish a few other projects first. I will be finishing them in cherry veneer with a red mahogany dye though. Should look awesome!

Brian

 

[Hank Frankenberg]

Martice, I'm finishing a pair of A/V3's for a GR Research customer here in Austin. I'll apply the oak veneer, then a coat of sanding sealer (because of the open grain nature of oak), then a light sanding, then a wipe-on gel stain. The customer wanted to match his current oak furniture, so he brought me a piece of it and I matched it with a shade of Bartley's gel stain. I'll finish off with a couple of coats of General Finishes HP water-based gloss polyurethane.
If you decide to go the paint route, definitely have a professional do it, probably an auto body shop, but it will cost you. Post photos when you're finished.