Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Aug 20, 2008 06:25pm | #1

   Sanding sealer is of no benefit.  If you are going to varnish the risers you can go directly to the varnish--it is it's own best "sealer".  Stair risers are usually painted--that's why they were made of pine instead of oak, but that's totally your call. 

1. 
   Sbds | Aug 20, 2008 06:45pm | #2

   Steve,Thats what I thought, but wanted to check because the pine is so soft.I have used sealer when staining pine, but I did not know if it was needed for poly.Thanks,Danny

2. 
   forestgirl | Aug 20, 2008 06:47pm | #3

   Are you asking about the sanding sealer because you're concerned about uneven absorption with the pine??  If so, a "washcoat" is what you're looking for.  My finishing experience is limited,  but it would seem either a dewaxed shellac washcoat, or a thinned varnish washcoat would do the job.  We'll see if others agree.....and have more detail.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
1. 
   SteveSchoene | Aug 20, 2008 07:37pm | #4

   I don't believe he is staining to risers, just clear coating with varnish.  In that situation a wash coat isn't needed.   He will have a bit of levelling sanding to do between coats since the varnish will be absorbed a bit unevenly between early and late woods on the pine.  But I still wouldn't weaken the finish by using a sanding sealer under the varnish. 

   With paint, primer aids adhesion with the added bonus of usually being easier to sand than the enamel. 

   Edited 8/20/2008 4:39 pm ET by SteveSchoene

1. 
   Sbds | Aug 20, 2008 11:14pm | #5

   Thanks everyone,I am concerned about uneven absorption between the pine and the oak. I am only using poly, not staining.