Protection for Dob base?

[A McEwan]

Hi all,

I was wondering if there's anything suitable as a brush-on protectorant coating for my GSO Dob base?

It lives in the shed, so is subject to temperature changes, and of course gets damp when it gets used.

Anything recommended?

It's the standard chipboard type with thin black plasticky veneer over the surfaces.

Thanks,

Ant

[crashtestdummy]

I would just stand the base on a piece of cardboard when stored and just make sure it's clean and dry after observing.all my wooden bases dobs have been stored in the garage and never had any problems

[emadmoussa]

User a BBQ cover for both the tube and base...it should prevent dew from forming during storage.

[callump]

If you observe on grass peg a small piece of tarpaulin on the ground before putting the base down. 

Callum

[Moonshane]

the main place for ingress of moisture will be the joints. if storing one of these oputside, I'd use a bead of solicone or similar to create a good seal.

[scarp15]

Perhaps if storing in a garage or shed, consider looking out for a disgarded (usually found near skips) builders pallet. The base can be supported on this, set up as a plinth or just use the planks. This will create enough air flow which will help to eliminate moisture build up.  

As mentioned above, when I had a 12" flextube, I sealed the joins, so silicon or a suitable exterior acrylic sealant will help. For setting up observing, I always take an off-cut piece of kitchen lino to sit the base on, which is also useful if something should drop.

[A McEwan]

Thanks. I'll definitely do the joins with a bead of clear silicone sealant, and find something to stand the base on during storage. Plenty of old plastic materials to use as a ground sheet when observing too. Thanks for the tips - and feel free to keep 'em coming!

Ant