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Working on two projects involving approx. 8″ square bases for art work. One is of African Paduak. Want to finish clear, using Deft glossy lacquer by brush. How do I deal with grain to get smoother finish? Is use of Deft sanding sealer as first coat the way to go? More than one coat of sealer? Other suggestions appreciated.
Second project is using red oak. Want to stain bases using gel stain. How can I deal with grain, as above. Plan to use Deft glossy lacquer as final coat. Confused about what to do first. Is it correct that must stain (gel coat) first, then use sanding sealer to deal with grain, and then final coat of lacquer?
This is my first time at the site. Read loads of the posts, but couldn’t find one direct to my questions. Very exciting resource. Thanks for any help.
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Sanding sealer does just that; seals. It won't fill porous grain like oak. Its to keep the stain from being lifted by the finish. If you're trying to level the grain for a smooth finish, the product to use is a paste filler (not to be confused with filler putties). It's applied by brush, wiped off across the grain, then sanded. If applied right, the filler remains only in the pores, and you can get a glass smooth finish, even on on oak, without building up excessive finish coats. Flectra/Varathane used to make an excellent paste filler, but I haven't seen it for some time.
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