Waterproofing a stand

[brubakron]

I have an entertainment center that I going to use for my qt or frag tank in my new fish room. Not great quality (particle board I believe) but it looks nice. It appears to have a glossy finish on it of some type, but I am wondering if I should still coat it in something to keep it looking nice for when water gets on it. I don't really care if the stand itself gets ruined, however I am investing quite a bit into the fish room, and would like it to stay nice looking. If I should coat it in something, what would you recommend? Thanks for the input.

 

[dublo8]

First it's probably made of particle board, if it is or isn't I would use a paintable silicon and seal up all the joints to keep it water/moisture tight. Then use an outdoor paint such as rustolium for the finish. If its a glossy finish you will have to scuff up the stand a bit for proper adhesion. Or just leave it as is it will probably be fine.

 

[Bigcefa]

You can use white Formica and seal the bottom edges

 

[jscarlata]

at home depot they sell sheets of stuff called FRP, fiberglass reinforced plastic. its used in low end bathrooms, one side is flat the other has a slight texture to it, it is susually stored in the same isle where they have wall paneling., its white, glossy and can be painted. you can cut the thinner sheets with a battery powered snipper. you can cut and glue this stuff to almost any surface. I put up cement board for all the wall surfaces behind my tank, (basement) and then put up sheets of this FRP. WHen I was done I used the leftovers to coat the inside of my stand...

 

[Saltydrip]

What I would do is go to Walmart, HD or lowes and get an auto/boat fiberglass resin.. Brush it onto the edges and seams then role it over the rest. The use an outdoor painters silicone caulk and then paint it with a descent outdoor enamel.

The trick to the resin is to only mix a little at a time until you figure out the cute time. If it starts to cure it won't go on smooth or soak in like you want it. If its warm outside just do it outside and leave it sit in the sun for a few hours, if its not I would give it a hole day to dry before going to the next step.

 

[dbuesking]

This is what I used on all my wood and metal in my fish room. Worked great.:thumbsup:

http://www.sanitred.com/permaqualities.htm

 

[brubakron]

Those all sound like possible options, however the stand looks pretty good the way it is. Is there a clear coat that would seal it up, and I wouldn't have to repaint the stand?

 

[moondoggy4]

Can you post a picture of the stand? since you are at the beginning stage it will help with some of the recommendations.

 

[GusDiaz]

at home depot they sell sheets of stuff called FRP, fiberglass reinforced plastic. its used in low end bathrooms, one side is flat the other has a slight texture to it, it is susually stored in the same isle where they have wall paneling., its white, glossy and can be painted. you can cut the thinner sheets with a battery powered snipper. you can cut and glue this stuff to almost any surface. I put up cement board for all the wall surfaces behind my tank, (basement) and then put up sheets of this FRP. WHen I was done I used the leftovers to coat the inside of my stand...

I did the same and added poly-urethane with a caulking gun at the edges to complete the seal. It has to dry for 48hrs.