I recently put a single layer of paste wax on a raw catalpa table top, I am not loving it, can i varnish over it, or do i need to resand? Also anyone have ideas on the best type of stain and/or finish for Catalpa? I made another catalpa table and used water based satin poly and also not happy with it as is gave it a white plastic like film. Would like to have better options as ultimately I will be making some catalpa instruments.
Thank you, my first post
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Remove the wax with mineral spirits and shop towels. Regardless of what you will be using as top coat you should seal with some dewaxed shellac. Zinssers seal coat is a 2lb cut of dewaxed shellac. It will add a slight amber color to the wood. You can also buy shellac flakes and mix yourself there is a blond version available which is lighter. If you can find Zinssers check the code on the lid to insure it is not out of date.
You can wipe it down with naphtha to remove the wax, then finish. I like Waterlox original for table tops, but I'm sure there will be lot's of options offered.
The old adage is, wax sticks to everything, but nothing sticks to wax. It's got to be removed.
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