Re: Hiding wood grain

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-pittelli.com>]

Geoff Crimmins wrote:
> For those of you who have used plywood in your
> tank construction, how did you fill in or cover the
> wood grain to give a more realistic texture? I'm quite
> sure a real tank doesn't doesn't have a wood-grain
> texture. :) 

For cosmetic and durability reasons, you should coat any wood with a 
layer of epoxy (or polyester resin).  That will keep out water and given 
you a flat surface for painting.  If you mix in some micro-balloons to a 
runny mayonnaise consistency, the skim coat will sand easily and provide 
a glass-like finish.  You can dilute the epoxy slightly with acetone to 
make everything flow easier.

You don't need any fibreglass cloth for this barrier coat unless you 
want to reinforce the joints as well.

        Frank P.