plywood stand how do i get nice finish ie staining

[mystic.bertie]

i picked up a second hand 5x2x2 tank and base tonight, the base is made from timber and thick marine plywood, it has been stained mahogony and its a bit grubby so it needs a refurb.
i was thinking of removing all the old varnish and staining it with something else but is it possible to get a professional finish with marine plywood, or is there a teqnique when staining it to give it a more wood grain effect. ideally i would like an oak or dark wood colour.
my other idea is more expensive and that was to buy end panels and some conti board and some kitchen cupboard door but this may cost over £100 although would look really good but i would prefer to do something with the existing materials for now, if its not going to look that great with the plywood i might just go fr the second option.
any suggestions welcome

 

[chefjamesscott]

spend the money do it up right

 

[matt clark]

can you send a picture so i can see what you have to work with. then i may be able to help you get the best out of what you have

 

[mystic.bertie]

here is a pic without the front panel which is just a large sheet of plywood with facing wood trim

 

[matt clark]

what i would do is use an orbital sander. start with 100 grit sandpaper then 350. then 1000 grit be sure not to sand down to much as it is only ply also be sure to wipe all dust off before you apply the stain as the finish you get is all down to the prep work. there are lots of stains you can get but i would recommend you use a stain by a company called bona. i use a lot of products from them to restore old floor boards. there not cheep but are the best and they also go a long way. i would finish off with 2 coats of lacquer also a product from bona. if you would like to know anything else just ask.

 

[mystic.bertie]

cheers matt ill ask about and see if anyone has an orbital sander, i just have a ordinary sander and it clogs easy when sanding wood stain off.

off to search for bona products cheers

 

[swede]

you could use the sander but be VERY careful. Its pretty easy to mess up the wood and have dips where the sander gouged the wood. Shows up more after you paint/stain it. A cheaper way to go than buying cabinets would be to buy some nice finish would and veneer it over the existing wood. You could then stain it or just lacquer it depending on the look you want. Hope it helps. with all the work involved, dunno if its really saving much to do it my way