Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Aug 22, 2006 12:14am | #1

   Sealer is usually meant to be a first coat, but it is possible he just used the sealer and then buffed it down.

   John W.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Aug 22, 2006 01:33am | #2

   Vinyl sealers are typically used under two part lacquer and two part polyester finishes. Did he say he only used a vinyl sealer?

   Howie.........
1. 
   jhounshell | Aug 22, 2006 07:34am | #4

   No, he specifically said he sprayed on the vinyl sealer first, then sanded and went over it with something else. Another customer distracted him before I got the "something else" out of him, then he disappeared.

3. 
   EarlKelly | Aug 22, 2006 03:16am | #3

   You can use Vinyl sealer under pre and Post cat Laquer, reg NC laq, CAB Laq and conversion varnish. Sounds like he possibly could have used the vinyl sealer and a thin coat of conversion varnish. If done properly it will give you a similar type of finish.

   My understanding is vinyl sealer helps the finish be more moisture resistant.

   Furniture...the Art of a FurnitureMaker
4. 
   user-155270 | Aug 22, 2006 06:39pm | #5

   Generally, vinyl sealer is used to seal of certain glazes before a coat of lacquer to avoid crackeling. If used as the only finish -two coats- it will give you an smooth surface privided you sanded the first coat really well. If you use a post cat or pre-cat lacquer after a vinyl sealer, you're likely to end up with a plastic finish that will be very smooth, but high build.

   For a finish that feels very smooth and seems very matte, I use a post catalysed high buil conversion varnish by M.L. Campbell named Krystal. Reduce it to about 10% and put on only 2 coats. You will have a durable and very natural finish.

   Marc

1. 
   art | Aug 22, 2006 11:20pm | #6

   Do you mean reduce it to 10% or by 10%? Art

1. 
   user-155270 | Aug 23, 2006 06:48pm | #9

   I mean just add 1oz for each 10oz of sealer. This is what my dealer recommends.

1. 
   jhounshell | Aug 23, 2006 07:34pm | #11

   So you are mixing the Krystal product with the vinyl sealer, correct? Does it matter which Krystal finish you use, they offer four different finishes in that product line.Jeff

1. 
   user-155270 | Aug 23, 2006 10:17pm | #12

   Don't mix both products... The Krystal alone will give you the result you're looking for. I don't usually use vinyl. Post catalysed lacquers in general will give you sufficient water resistance. Vinyl tends to give a plastic look.

   Use only the Krystal. It is self sealing.

2. 
   jhounshell | Aug 23, 2006 06:09pm | #7

   I was thinking of using a very light cut of a blonde dewaxed shellac, then rubbing it out with rottenstone (if necessary). Would you think this would give me a similar result?

1. 
   JohnWW | Aug 23, 2006 06:30pm | #8

   Not likely, experiment before starting on a real piece of furniture.

   John W.

2. 
   user-155270 | Aug 23, 2006 06:49pm | #10

   I agree with John W. . It might give you a nice feel, but it will not be close to the same protection.

   Marc

5. 
   Kevin | Aug 28, 2006 05:49am | #13

   His furniture had a very soft, satin finish, and did not appear to have any build to the finish at all. He said the secret was using a vinyl sealer.

   Hmmm... I'm not at work and don't have access to my Sherwin Williams commercial coatings book but I know of only one finish that will give the look you've described: Sherwin Williams' Super Kemvar "C" which is a vinyl conversion varnish designed specifically to achieve that look and only that look. Except that when I've used it I used it as a self-sealing system instead of using one of their vinyl sealers. But it wouldn't surprise me if when I check their book it says that a thinned version of one of their vinyl sealers is also an approved undercoat.

   According to SW their "M" vinyl conversion varnish can be reduced 25% and achieve a comparable look. But, it doesn't quite. I know because I've tried. I've also had a competitor's coatings tech try to produce a similar look with their products and his result, like that of the Kemvar "M" had more build than the "C" did. Which is why I say that I've seen no other finish which will achieve that look and do it justice. It honestly looks like there is no finish on it.