My aunt said my new kitchen shelf looked 'brave' and I'm still confused

I built a floating shelf above my stove last weekend, using some reclaimed barn wood from a farm near Bakersfield. It was a bit rustic but I liked it. My aunt came over, stared at it for a solid minute, and said, 'Well, that's a brave choice putting wood right there with all the steam.' It hit different because she wasn't wrong, I totally forgot about condensation warping it. Now I'm staring at it every time I boil water for pasta. Anyone have a good clear sealant they've used in a steamy spot that actually holds up?

3 comments

3 Comments

rowan_wilson402mo ago

Yeah, that marine varnish is basically mandatory now.

finley4472mo ago

Reclaimed barn wood from Bakersfield" is the part that got me. That stuff is usually super dry and thirsty. It's going to soak up that steam like a sponge if you don't seal it fast. Have you looked at a good marine grade varnish?

noahpark27d ago

Ever tried a wood hardener first? That stuff can lock it down before you even think about varnish. Otherwise yeah, it's gonna be a mess.