Replies

1. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 06, 2004 09:19pm | #1

   It IS a good idea to treat all of the surfaces of your wood to ensure is absorbs moisture more-or-less evenly. It's hard to go wrong with shellac as a sealer coat: it's easy to apply, dries quickly, and is compatible with almost all other finishes.

   However, you didn't mention enough of the specifics of your proposed finishing schedule for us to provide a response specific to your situation. For example, are you planning on using waterbased or oilbased stain? What are you planning to use as your final finish (shellac, lacquer, varnish, polyurethane...)? Do you plan on spraying, brushing, wiping?

   You might want to reconsider staining and finishing in place - unless you plan to spray. I find it easier (on the knees, back, etc) to finish several small pieces lying at a convenient height on a work table (it's also much easier to control ambient lighting and ventilation).

   Good luck with your project,

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

1. 
   pghdan | Mar 11, 2004 07:49am | #4

   Thanks Jazzdogg for your input. I'll tell you what I am planning to do but keep in mind I am a novice wood finisher so feel free to correct me if my ideas sound crazy.

   First I'm planning on applying a water soluble dye stain, followed by a seal coat of wipe on oil based polyurethane. Next I plan on applying a pigmented glaze to even out any differences between the plywood veneer and the solid wood.  Finally I plan on finishing up with a couple of coats of wipe on polyurethane.  If this makes no sense please feel free to tell me!!

   So the question is can I seal the back of my solid wood, apply it to the wall and then undertake my finishing sequence as detailed above or will the backsealing migrate to the sides of my wood and inhibit my finishing process.  Furthermore what should I back seal my wood with.

2. 
   Manchild | Mar 07, 2004 04:41am | #2

   Sealing the whole piece is a good idea. I've heard it called encapsulating. Ambient moisture is no respecter of up, down, inside, outside. So it can get into a piece from any surface.

   It is also a good idea to finish the panels before the are installed in the frame. That way when they shrink they won't have that nasty looking unfinished stripe around the panel where it slides under the frame 

3. 
   RickL | Mar 08, 2004 12:26am | #3

   You bring up a good point. I've never seen any of the carpenters do that but for a high end house it makes sense. Certainly more work and the cost would go up but with no call backs it would be worth it. It wouuld be interesting to put this post on Fine Home Building as it sounds more pertinent to that forum. I've seen wainscotting articles in FHB and not in FWW. You might also post on http://www.homesteadfinishing.com as that's all they do.

   
   

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   Edited 3/7/2004 6:17:18 PM ET by rick3ddd

1. 
   pghdan | Mar 11, 2004 07:57am | #5

   Thanks Rick for your input.  The reason I am planning on going to all the trouble of backsealing all my wood is I have a very demanding customer.....my wife.  Actually I am probably more demanding than she is so I want to get it right.  The reason I asked this question here and not at "Breaktime" is it really is a question about wood finishing.  I figured a woodworker would have a better idea about this than a finish carpenter.  No offense to any finish carpenters who might be reading.

1. 
   Robbie | Mar 11, 2004 09:07pm | #6

   From your name, I assume you live in Pittsburgh.  Nice place.  I lived in the North Hills for a few years when I got out of college.

   I am planning on a similar project, so I am watching your thread carefully.  The design I am considering is ply panels, solid 4/4 quatersawn stock for stiles / rails (biscuited together), and picture molding to frame around the panels inside of the stiles / rails. 

   My plan is to:1) build and finish the picture frames prior to installing them inside the stiles and rails.  Finish the ply panels prior to install.  This includes gel stain and sprayed on pre-cat lacquer.

   I will finish the stiles / rails after installation (but before inserting the picture frame molding.  My reasoning is that the stiles / rails will need to take nails and filler on the face frame side.  Although I've done this with pre-finished chair rails, I have been able to get less noticeable nailhead marks that way.