Tommy,
It’s not “wrong” to apply the sanding sealer. Make sure you use a sealer recommended by the manufacturer of the poly for proper adhesion of the top coats.
But the sealer will accomplish little in that application. The poly is not going to raise the wood grain. Just sand to your usual final grit and apply a first coat of poly thinned 25% with solvent. Some workers thin up to 50% for the first coat. Lightly sand that to remove nibs (there will hardly be any) and apply one or two coats of poly full strength.
Can’t talk the customer into lacquer or regular varnish, huh? The poly will make that piece of furniture look like plastic.
Rich
Replies
I like to use shellac for a sanding sealer. It dries to the touch in about five minutes and can be sanded in about half an hour. I switch to wipe-on poly, which can be applied with a rag or with a foam "brush." After several coats of poly I vigorously wet-sand with 400 grit wet-or-dry and apply a final coat. This coat can be left as is or wet-sanded with 600 grit. Sometimes I end up with a hand-rubbed automotive polish for a wonderfully smooth finish.
Bert
should i cut the shellac for the first coat
never applied poly to raw wood before it will be a wipe on poly
Tommy,
You can cut shellac with alcohol, or you can purchase the Zinnser aerosol can, which will spray a very thin coat. It is much faster to spray. I usually do two thin coats of the Zinnser spray before I sand the first time.
Bert
you suggest thinning the poly
thinning it with what
please excuse the ignorance
Tommy,Use mineral spirits (paint thinner) or Naphtha. (use low-odor mineral spirits).Rich
thank you very much for the info. greatly appreciated. cust. to met tomorrow morning hopefull that i will get the job price quote of $1100.
Tommy,I wish you the best of luck. But here is advice you didn't ask for, and I offer it knowing all the dangers associated with unsolicited advice:You really need to step back a bit and ask yourself do you have the skills to accept a paying job and commit yourself to delivering a professional, completed project. Your questions, indicating your lack of familiarity about the most basic of information, lead me to believe you are in way over your head.Rich
sir i've built these entertainment centers before probably 7 of them
the problem that i have is applying a poly finish to raw wood. everything else i've done has been over a stain not raw. i was not sure the correct way of appling the finish on raw wood mybe i didn't explain myself thank you for your comments they are appreciated. i recieved a digital camera for christmas when its done i hope to post a picture thank you again
Tommy,
I meant no disparagement. Good luck.
Rich
none taken rich just looking for a little help from people in the know
thank you again
Tommy, a couple of points.As said there is no need for a "sanding sealer" if you are going to used an oil based varnish or poly varnish. In fact, unless you use one that is complatable with the finish coat, you will not get any adhesion of the finish coat.Second, if you elect to use a shellac--and that shouldn't be necessary either--you must be sure to use a dewaxed shellac if you plan to use poly finish. Poly will not adhere to standard shellac. If the can does not say "dewaxed", it ain't.Finaally, there is really no need for a sealer. A first coat of your finish acts as a "sealer". Thin the first coat 30-50% with mineral spirits or paint thinner. Let it dry and lightly sand it using a sanding pad and 320 paper. Then apply two more coats thinned about 10%. The thinning of the final coats will allow the finish to flow out nicer.Howie.........
I've done a lot of oak cabinetry and would suggest using a semi-gloss (or even a satin) poly instead of the high gloss. High gloss is a little too "plastic" looking for most applications.
If you're wanting a truly "natural" finish, use a water based poly instead of an oil based. The oil based gives a slight amber tint to the piece while the water based dries clear.
waterbase poly is exactly what i was going to use
will make 2 test pieces semi and high and let the cust pick
thank you for the response
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