I have another quick question I was hoping you could help me with.
I have used sanding sealer in the past to get a smooth, sealed surface before varnishing (I usually use rub-on polyurethane). I have had mixed results, however, with respect to the final quality of the finish and getting a natural look out of the wood grain.
1. What is sanding sealer for, and why isn’t it a more common topic of discussion on Knots and the other woodworking forums?
2. How is sanding sealer best used and under what circumstances do you get the best results?
3. What finishes are most compatible (i.e. give the best results) when following sanding sealer?
Thank you very much for your help!
Replies
Just wondering if you could give me some response on this sanding sealer question. Thanks!
Sorry, that one got by me.
Personally speaking, I would never use a sanding sealer. They are soft, and tend to weaken the bond between the finish and the wood.
Also because they dry quickly I think most will overdo it and apply too many coats prior to finishing. This makes for a very poor and soft base for a good finish.
If you want a good sealer prior to varnishing, SealCoat, which is dewaxed shellac is superior. It is tenacious and will accept almost any type of finish.
When using a sealer, keep it thin. Seal the surface with a coat or two, let it dry well and sand as needed with 2 - 320 grit paper to level it out and give it tooth for your finish coats.
Peter
Thanks very much, Peter. That is just what I wanted to know.
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