I recently completed a project for my wife using Cocobolo for the first time. I wanted to get a semigloss finish that retained the touch and feel of the wood. I sought advice from my local Woodcrafters Store who recommended that I give the work two coats of Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat as a sealer and then apply three or four coats of Watco Wipe-On Poly. The Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat states that it is “Guaranteed Under ALL Clear Finishes, Oil based and Water based polyurethanes etc”. I applied two coats of the SealCoat and then after applying the first coat of Wipe-On Poly I waited for over twenty four hours for the poly to dry. The finish was “gummy”and marked even with the most gentle pressure. I then did what I should have done first and read all the instructions on both cans. The Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat is shellac and the Watco Wipe-On Poly states clearly in the preparation instructions that the surface must be clean of all the usual substances as well as “shellac”! Mea Culpa.
Now for the questions.
1 How should I remove the Wipe-on Poly Coat? The surface appears too “gummy” to use sandpaper and I do not wish to lose the small crisp detail worked into the piece by sanding.
2 What is the best way to finish Cocobolo to attain a semigloss finish as well as the touch and feel of the wood? This is a decorative piece, not subject to water, alcohol or significant wear.
Replies
If the poly is still gummy, you may be able to wash it with some lacquer thinner and remove it.
Have plenty of paper towels and ventilation when doing this. Some small plastic bristle scrub brushes will also be helpful in getting in the crevices.
If it has set up you'll need to use some stripper. Something like Zip Strip will certainly do the trick. Be careful with it as it will burn your skin if you get it on you.
Neutralize the stripped surface with plenty of alcohol and wipe it dry as you go.
For the finish, shellac is all you need. A couple of thin coats will give it a nice shine and be close to the grain.
You learned a valuable lesson. It's one I drill into students;
When all else fails, read the directions.
Sorry for the delay, I'm on the road.
Peter
Peter,
Thank you for the advice. I will follow it and hope for the best. Thanks again.
David A. H
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