Question regarding glue and paint on stands

[Shawn O]

I'm hoping to start building my stand next week and am looking for your opinions on a couple of materials. I know that chemical off-gassing makes pressure treated woods a no-no but want your advice on which glue to use.

First, can I use construction adhesive between the plywood and the 2x4s (combined with the screws) or should I only use wood worker's glue? Second, which types of paint will keep the wood from absorbing any water it comes in contact with? I was originally going to use an epoxy paint used for concrete floors but now have to build the stand in a hurry and on a tighter budget. Would using a water-based polyurethane on it before painting with a latex work as well?

 

[davocean]

Most wood glues are fine and much better than any construction adhesive like liquid nails(I personally don't like liquid nails)
I use tightbond 3, waterproof.
A properly glued joint is stronger than nails or screws.
If I'm painting I like Kilz 2 for primer and after that you are pretty good to go w/ just about any paint over that(water based/latex)
I prefer an eggshell or semi gloss to flat on woodwork which also helps shed water.

 

[billdogg]

^^^what he said^^^
If you use something like polyurethane before the paint the paint won't stick. I prefer white gloss inside the stand but that's just me.

 

[EvenFurther]

I used screws and polyurethane construction adhesive on my stand. The poly adhesive is crazy strong.

On the stand inside I used Zinsser primer and 1 part white glass epoxy appliance paint. The white gloss finish is very durable and easy to wipe clean later on. The paint was about $15 a qt can at HD.

 

[A sea K]

Most wood glues are fine and much better than any construction adhesive like liquid nails(I personally don't like liquid nails)
I use tightbond 3, waterproof.
A properly glued joint is stronger than nails or screws.

On the stand inside I used Zinsser primer and 1 part white glass epoxy appliance paint. The white gloss finish is very durable and easy to wipe clean later on. The paint was about $15 a qt can at HD.

This is what I did when I built mine.
That epoxy appliance paint is expensive though, my stand was fairly small so I only needed one quart.

 

[Shawn O]

Thanks for the replies. Will give tightbond 3 a try. Glad you mentioned that the paint wouldn't stick to polyurethane. I assumed it would stick to it better (and prevent the paint from being absorbed into the paint too much) and help waterproof the wood. My intention was to make the sump area be able to contain a leak of a few gallons or more, if it should happen, and not leak onto the floor.

I planned to do gloss white on the stand's frame inside & out, as well, and wrap it in gloss black trim and pop-off panels to give it a black laquered look. I wanted a dark walnut stained stand but it's going in the dining room and has to match the furniture in there.

A related paint question, should I paint the inside of the canopy white as well or should I do it black too?

 

[A sea K]

A related paint question, should I paint the inside of the canopy white as well or should I do it black too?

Paint it white, its more reflective and will help direct ambient light down into the tank. Especially helpful if using bulbs without reflectors.

 

[Shawn O]

That's what I was thinking but wondered if it would be too visible when looking into the tank. It's going next to the dining table, at the same height, and when seated we will be able to see up into it a bit.

 

[davocean]

You are going to see color bulbs reflect.
I'd go white as well.

 

[Shawn O]

Thanks, will do.