which waterproof paint to use on wooden tray?

[cutejai]

Hi All,

I'm currently DIY a wooden tray to display my accent plants, this tray will have some diatomite in it with water to act as humidity source. for the build of this tray, I'm thinking to have the rectangle frame made from hardwood and the bottom made from plywood, so the question is what paint should I use on this wooden tray to water proof it? just any water based exterior decking paint would do? or is there anything more suitable for this?
appreciate any advise.

Regards
George

[bodhidharma]

I use a decking oil on mine but if you want something more resilient marine varnish also works. It soaks into the wood and doesnt hurt the tree.

[Damian Bee]

Bitumen paint works well.

[thoglette]

or is there anything more suitable for this?

Wood (especially non-marine plywood) and water don't mix. You need something completely waterproof - preferably solvent based

Two-pack marine epoxy is the ducks-do-dads but hard to find in small quantities. Plain old enamel paint or polyurethane varnish will do.

[cutejai]

Thanks you all for your help, so sounds like polyurethane varnish is the winner. but then I got all confused again when look at the actual product.

e.g. this is is for marine grade and is polyurethane, but if you look into the spec, it say not waterproof and not suitable for use below water line. umm,,,,
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_pro ... ish&page=2

so do you really need to use some sort of sealent first before using the varnish?
e.g
http://www.bunnings.com.au/products_pro ... ish&page=3

Cheers
George

[Brian]

forget about varnishes, You can coat it in clear fibreglass resin.

[bazron]

last week i made 5 wooden grow boxes and completely stained them i was worried that the stain might kill the trees. but ive been told once it soaks in it wont come back out. so im sure my trees will be ok. after reading this it just reassures me. i think next time ill just use marine ply tho.