I'm installing French cleats along the back wall of my two-car garage for organization, and while function is key, I also want them to look amazing. I'm aiming for a dark finish on the sheets I'm mounting, and a natural finish on the cleats themselves. I want to make sure the finish is protective but won't cause tool holders to stick or damage the surface. Also, repairability is a concern. I'm using walnut veneered plywood and have switched to a full walnut look. Initially, I thought about using dark colors to give off a light-on-dark aesthetic, possibly charcoal Rubio for the sheets and natural Rubio for the cleats, but I'm unsure if Rubio would work well for cleats. I also want to avoid finishes that attract dust since this will be in a workshop.
4 Answers
I honestly wouldn't recommend Rubio for the cleat wall. It just doesn't hold up well against the force of heavy tools being removed. If your workshop isn't climate-controlled, the Rubio surfaces might even stick together under weight. A good poly finish would be way more durable. You could pair that with a bit of shellac underneath to give it a better tone since staining plywood can often look rough.
The Rubio should be fine for your cleats! Nothing should stick to it. For the dark sheets, try out Rubio Black, as it works really well on walnut. You'll see the grain nicely too!
Are you really planning to stain walnut? Sounds like you're doodling on a masterpiece! Rubio can work beautifully, but walnut is super thirsty, so you might need a second coat. It would be wise to do a test piece. Rubio Pure could deliver a great look too; it darkens nicely over time and pairs perfectly with walnut.
Rubio finishes are usually a solid choice, but you'll want to test the color on some scrap wood first since it can be pricey. Personally, for something that doesn’t need to be fancy, I'd go with spray lacquer for the cleats. It's durable and easy to apply with an HVLP sprayer. If you're looking for cost-effective, cheap water-based poly could work too since it’s just shop furniture in the end.