[C&D Woodcraft]

Give me the low down on sealers. Finishing is my weak suit, though Rob has been giving me some good tips over the last year.

When should sealers be used? Does it differ based on wood species? How about when you're using poly versus a lacquer finish. I've got lots to learn here, so I wanted to get your input.

Thanks!

 

[Big Dave]

If I'm using a laquer finish then I will use a laquer sealer. This seals the wood, of course, raises the grain and allows you to sand it and get a smooth finish before you apply your laquer.

I also use Sealcoat by Zinnser for those bar tops before I apply the epoxy finish. It seals the wood and allows me to sand it and make it smooth. The main reason I use it instead of the laquer sealer is cost. I've got a can of Zinnser that will probably last me the rest of this year and most of next. You can also apply it with a brush and not have to drag out the spray equipment.

 

[C&D Woodcraft]

Dave,
Thanks. Do you use sealer on both cabinets and furniture? And do you use it on all species?

Thanks again.

 

[Big Dave]

Yes, I use it on everything. I'm not big on tongue oil finishes or anything like that. Laquer is about the only thing I use. Maybe somebody else who uses different finishes other than laquer will chime in.

 

[eastend]

the beauty of SealCoat ( which is a de-waxed shellac) is that it can serve as a sealer under just about topcoat. I've used it under lacquer, varnish, pre-cat, conversion varnish, 2K poly and so forth. Since it's shellac, it also serves as a barrier coat to minimize bleed through and fish eye.
Only thing I wouldn't use it with would be a Tung Oil finish, since the oil finish is supposed to penetrate the wood, and not really sit on the surface much.

 

[Big Dave]

Good point Eastend. Sealcoat is big in the floor finishing industry. Mainly because if you go to add another coat of finish to a floor and you don't know what they used then you clean the finish, scuff it and apply a coat of sealcoat. YOu can then apply any finish over it you want.

Sealcoat is designed to stick to anything and anything will stick to it.

 

[C&D Woodcraft]

Thanks for the input guys.
Curious, what's going to happen the stuff I've finished without a sealer?

 

[Big Dave]

I don't think you will have a problem. Your finish feel won't be as smooth though.