Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Oct 09, 2006 06:41pm | #1

   Tom,

   I would seal the stain in first with Zinseer Seal coat (blonde shellac) Thin the shellac about 20% with denatured alcohol and apply a coat.

   For paste filler I like Sherwin Williams brand but I think you can only get it gallons. You can get Por o Pac filler from Wood Workers supply and possibly a Woodcraft store.

   After you do the fill let it sit for a few days to cure and you can then seal it with the shellac used full strength.

   peter Gedrys

1. 
   e223725 | Oct 09, 2006 07:41pm | #2

   Peter,<!----><!----><!---->

   I guess I'm not sure about the proper order to finish mahogany. Should the process be:<!----><!---->

   1. Sand and prep material<!----><!---->

   2. Stain (oil based in this case)<!----><!---->

   3. Seal Stain with Zinseer Seal<!----><!---->

   4. Apply paste filler<!----><!---->

   5. Apply lacquer? (or something else – any recommendations?)

   <!---->Thanks,<!---->

   <!---->Tom<!---->

1. 
   peter28 | Oct 10, 2006 03:05pm | #3

   Tom,

   After you apply the filler, let it cure for a couple of days and seal it with the shellac.

   This step locks in the filler and gives you a base to build your finish on. Give it a light sanding , clean the dust and you're ready to finish.

   You can use a lacquer, varnish, shellac or poly. It's a matter of choice and experience.

   On a small box, a shellac finish followed by a coat or two of wax would be beautiful.

   Peter Gedrys

1. 
   e223725 | Nov 12, 2006 07:36am | #4

   Peter,

   I am having a problem with the paste filler. Here is what I've done thus far; 1) stained the mahogany box with an oil based stain, 2) sealed the stain with shellac, and 3) filled the pores with Por O Pac wood paste.

   The wood had some bug holes and the wood paste is in the bug holes. The wood paste is stuck in the corners. The wood paste has dried and is really, really hard to get out of the corners, nooks & crannies, and bug holes. How do I get this stuff out without messing up my finsih? Do I have to sand out all of the dried Por O Pac paste wood filler out?

   Thanks!

   -Tom

1. 
   peter28 | Nov 18, 2006 01:53am | #5

   Tom,

   The filler in the bug holes is easy enough to deal with. If the holes are relatively small, use a small artist brush and some of the pigment from your stain to lightly color it in.

   However, when filler dries like you're saying there is only one remedy. You need to start over and that means removing the finish.Once the finish is off you'll still have a fair amount of work to do. You'll need to sand or scrape the filler as required.

   When I'm applying filler and I have corners or nooks, I'll sharpen a piece of dowel rod and use that along my edges. I also use tongue depressors, which I get at a local pharmacy. I'll sharpen one to a point and use that as a scraper. You can also cover on of these tools with a cloth charged with mineral spirits to aid in it's removal.

   When you do start over, do the boxes in sections. It sounds to me like you bit off too much at once.

   Don't be too upset at having to start again. It's just part of the learning curve we all go through.

   Peter Gedrys

    

    

    

    

2. 
   e223725 | Nov 19, 2006 09:39pm | #6

   Peter,

   I ended up cleaning out the nooks and crannies with some very fine presion tools - that was a lot of work... Rather than starting over, I cleaned the filler as well as I could, then, re-applied another coat of stain.

   Here is what my finish consists of thus far:

   1. Oil based stain on box

   2. Shellac - cut with DN Alcohol

   3. Paste wood filler

   4. Oil based stain

   5. Shellac - cut with DN Alcohol (same as #2)

   Will this be OK to continue? Or will I have to start completely over? Will the 2nd coat of stain (#4) work with the overall product? Finally, should I apply anything after step 5?

   Sorry for the type of questions, I'm sure there basic. Thank you so much for the guidance thus far.

   Best Regards,

   Tom

3. 
   peter28 | Nov 22, 2006 05:16pm | #7

   Tom,

   I know how much work cleaning the filler was. Concerning whether or not you have to start over is up to you. Do you like the way it looks? Did re staining it give you a look you are satisfied with? I can't answer those questions..............

   I assume you let the stain dry well before you put the shellac on again. 

   " Should I continue" What is required of the finish? Is the box going to have drinks or glasses set on it? If so lightly sand the shellac and apply a coat of varnish for added protection. Or you could just use the shellac and add a coat of wax when you are done. 

   Peter Gedrys