How to paint a plywood bookcase?

[jarko]

Hello,

I am planning on building a bookshelf out of plywood, which needs to be 1160 high by 1365 wide, which I will also paint.

Ideally, I would use BC grade pine (https://www.bunnings.com.au/1200-x-596mm-18mm-plywood-pine-bc-grade_p0390159) however I can't get the width I need with these panels.

Do Bunnings sell 2400 sheets of BC grade pine? I could not find any online.

How would CD grade panels (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ecoply-2400-x-1200mm-19mm-plywood-pine-structural-cd-grade_p0340167) look as a bookshelf if they were painted? Or would the finish be too rough? I'd also be worried about sanding through the veneer to get a reasonable finish.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

I know there is AA marine ply, but it's expensive especially if I will paint anyway. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @AnitaP,

That's a great way to get a nice uniform finish on plywood. A topping compound such as Gyprock Less Mess Topping Compound will make life even easier.

Thanks for sharing your tip.

Jacob

[jarko]

That's a great tip @AnitaP / @JacobZ about the topping compound, I've never used that before but will have to give it a try next time!

The top is made of dressed pine (https://www.bunnings.com.au/285-x-19mm-2-4m-dar-pine-premium_p8401478)

@EricL I wanted the top to match an existing walnut top I have on a desk in the room, after sanding I used a stain (https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-250ml-walnut-water-based-interior-stain-250ml_p1520295) and a finish over the stain with 3 coats of poly (https://www.bunnings.com.au/cabot-s-1l-satin-water-based-cabothane-clear-polyurethane-timber-varnish...).

I used water based products even though they are more expensive, they are easier to use and cleanup for a beginner.