QUESTION:
I stained a table with an alcohol-based dye, and then sealed it with shellac, which dissolved the dye and left it blotchy. Should I have used an oil-based sealer?
George Crowley, Enfield, CT
ANSWER:
An oil-based sealer is a better choice over an alcohol-based dye. As you’ve experienced, when a dye and sealer have the same solvent, brushing or wiping on the sealer will pull up the dye, causing it to streak or blotch.
If you want to use a shellac sealer, which is alcohol based, switch to a water-based dye.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Diablo ‘SandNet’ Sanding Discs
While Diablo’s SandNet disks perform similarly to conventional paper abrasives in terms of material removal and surface prep (with some exceptions at the lower grits), they make keeping your work surface and work area clean much easier, thanks to the great dust collection possible with them.
Odie's Oil
Ease of Use = Very Good
Sheen = Excellent
Appearance = Very good
Non-Yellowing = Very good
Water/Stain Resistance = Excellent
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