Finishing maple dowels

[PJL]

Hi All,

I built a clothes dryer for my wife, (you know the kind that folds up and drops to the floor when you put wet clothes on them) and I am having a hell of a time trying to get the dowels smooth. I haven't used any kind of finish on the wood as I don't want any transfer of colour or finish to transfer to the wet clothes. The dowels are the typical maple ones you can buy at The Home Depot and I have sanded and sanded but as soon as they get wet it raises the grain and I have to start all over again. Any ideas before I turn this project over to the end user? (Who will probably scream the first time she snags her nylons on a rogue wood fibre)

Thanks,

John

[Woodcrafter]

Maybe a couple small coats of polyurethane on the ends? That should seal them up, provide resistance to moisture and not transfer to clothes once fully dry.

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Dean Bielanowski Editor, Online Tool Reviews

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[Woodcrafter]

A couple coats on the entire rod I should have said (was thinking of a different design to the one you are probably using).

[Donald Guzzetta]

[PJL]

Thanks Donald, I am concerned that whatever finish I apply may get on the clothing that is being dryed. Do you or anybody else have suggestions on a positively waterproof/resistant finish that won't transfer to clothing. Product brand names would be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks,

John

[Edwin Pawlowski]

My mother had one of those for many years. It had nothing on it. Just plain old wood and it lasted for 25 years that I know of.

If you want a finish, polyurethane will not bleed.

[Frosty Thunder]

Why not try Helmsmen?

George

Thanks Donald, I am concerned that whatever finish I apply may get on the clothing that is being dryed. Do you or anybody else have suggestions on a positively waterproof/resistant finish that won't transfer to clothing. Product brand names would be helpful and appreciated.

Thanks,

John

[George]

PVC is what I used. Doesn't raise splinters to catch on stuff, don't really need interior support at 30-36" length, but if you like you can run some regular bullnosed stock through.

We can use the interior moisture in the wintertime.