'Curly', on 09 Jul 2012 - 2:45 PM, said:
You might be able to use varnish or lacquer to seal the wood to prevent damage. A carpenter would know what exactly to do.
Polyurethane, Acrylic, Shellac, Epoxy... the number of wood sealers to protect any wood sheet are extremely numerous. For the average nerfer, a spray can is probably the easiest, and most spray paints with a properly-applied primer would work just fine. Sand, Prime, Sand, Paint, etc. for desired finish, just like plastic (only the wood is porous, and will swell with paint so you'll need more sanding). If you want wood grain showing, use a sealer and/or stain instead. Stain goes on first, then sealer; usually only one is necessary to protect the wood but sealer has a nicer finish IMO. In any case, with wood-product materials, always make sure to get the edges, those are most vulnerable to damage and the damage is more detrimental. All of those products are pretty toxic, work outside/ventilate/etc.
I've seen 1/4" plywood sheets at some hardware/home improvement stores, they'll be expensive though ($20-35 per 4x8' sheet). I think craft stores sell them too, but at a much higher price. 1/4" Hardboard/Masonite (the stuff pegboards is made from) is very economical; something like $8 per 4x8' sheet. I don't know if Masonite is as strong as polycarb, but it shouldn't need to be for most parts. The problem with those sheets is that one side is left in a completely unfinished state and I'm not sure how to get it cleaned up without power tools or a ton of paint. I have seen both-side finished sheets (99% sure clipboards are made with them), but they are more expensive and rare. One solution would be to get 2x 1/8" sheets and glue them back to back with wood glue.