This is a pretty basic question, but can I use water based polyurethane as a top coat if I have used shellac as a sealer/base coat? I intend to use the shellac as a carrier for a small amount of alcohol based stain to provide a slight tinting/staining of a cherry cabinet but I need the protection that polyurethane provides, thus the need for the double coats. Are they all compatible?? Thanks
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If its dewaxed shellac no problem.
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
As Sancho says, if it is dewaxed. However, you could use a traditional resin varnish over any shellac. The traditional resin varnish will look better, particularly over cherry, since unless you add some ambering dye, most water borne finishes have a cold look. The traditional resin varnish will be essentially as protective as the waterborne poly, which itself is not nearly as protective as oil based poly.
For our doug fir baseboard, I used 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic (water-based poly) over Zinsser's Bulls Eye Seal Coat. (I read an article in FWW where the author recommended the Seal Coat product.)
The Seal Coat can says "100% wax free" and "Guaranteed under all clear wood finishes". I used cheap brushes for the Seal Coat and a nice Purdy brush for the Polycrylic.
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