Most durable finish for Oak Veneer?

[digital desire]

So my wwmt's are soon to be wrapped in a 10 mil oak veneer. One of the speakers has to live near my other hobby, a planted tank that has to get regular maintenance. Occasional splashes happen.
Taking into account that I am a rank amateur with this stuff, what finish would you go with that would be most water resistant? Looking for the classic oak finish, maybe glossy?
As an aside, I LOVE the PE magnets for grill attachment. A classy solution for these things!

EDIT: I am not averse to getting the hvlp setup from harbor freight if it would help the cause!

[Dennis H]

Polyurethane is probably the most waterproof.

[digital desire]

Water based or oil based? (IIRC there are both kinds?) Spray (wiz can?) or brush?
Thanks.

[Dennis H]

A wipe-on poly where you just wipe on very thin coats with a rag is probably the easiest to get a decent finish. Basically it's just thinned-down oil-based poly. There are various DIY recipies for the 'ultimate' finish but the Minwax wipe-on works okay, it's easy to use and it doesn't require any special mixing.

http://www.minwax.com/products/protective/wipe-on.cfm

[Chris7]

I agree with the others -- I'd use poly. Oak is the one of the few woods I'll use poly on, actually, because oak doesn't tend to pick up the plastic look with poly.

[cjd]

I've overwatered the plant above the speakers I have finished in Tung oil (3 coats). There's a difference between getting splashed, and soaking in water.

That said, the sub I built my parents has had the plant it holds overwatered to the point it had water on the surface for days. No damage. That's 3 (or is it 4?) coats of Polycrylic. Brushed.

C

[digital desire]

The wipe on poly I think it is then. It seems to have some latitude for dummies like me.

[wkhanna]

I used Minwax Old Antique finish for a bar/island in our kitchen. I made the top from made of poplar, and it has taken undue amounts of abuse over 13 years, and is just now ready for a light sanding and two or three more coats.
Easy to use, too. YMMV....

[capslock]

Actually, 2k aromatic solvent based PU is the most durable. You can even thin it and apply 2 coats that go really down into the wood, then 2 unthinned coatings. Even MDF will be waterproof after that and could probably take hammer strokes without showing dents.

[digital desire]

What is a 2K aromatic based Poly? Is this the same as minwax (oil based) products?

[capslock]

What is a 2K aromatic based Poly? Is this the same as minwax (oil based) products?

Not at all, it is a professional two component paint, much like 2k acrylic used on cars, but even more durable.

[engr_dave]

capslock is correct. The most durable is a two-part conversion varnish. I've used these on kitchens and bathroom cabinetry. Sherwin-Williams makes a good one. Pre-cat Lacquers and CAB-acrylics are also pretty tough and are easier to use.

[Nichol1997]

I have not tried Pianolac before but I have heard it is pretty durable. Might be worth looking in to.

http://www.pianolac.com/

[JonW]

In case this isn't 100% obvious I'll mention it: Maybe put a plastic garbage bag over the speaker when you're changing water and sloshing around the aquarium. I'd still want a durable finish for the little bits of splatter that will happen otherwise. Because you have a WWMT I recommend Glad bags- they open up the dynamics of the speaker quite well. Hefty work best for MTM configurations.