sanding sealer

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 9:25 am     Post subject: sanding sealer

If I am going to finish my clock case by wax polishing do I need to use a sanding sealer first.
Jim

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 2:04 pm     Post subject:

Wax is definitely not my first choice of finish... and for a few of reasons:

1.) It is the least durable finish.
2.) It is not an effective barrier against water vapor exchange (unless the coating is quite thick).
3.) Common solvents (including those found in liquid furniture polish) dissolve wax.

That being said, please note that you should use whatever products you feel most comfortable with. Some suggest applying several coats of shellac, oil, or some other finish underneath wax. This proves to help make the finish more durable in the long run than simply using wax alone.

Sanding sealer is basically thinned shellac, so I do not foresee why that can not be used. As a rule of thumb, however, I always recommend testing finishes on a scrap piece of wood initially. This will ensure product compatibility, and will take much of the guess work out of the entire finishing process.

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 4:23 pm     Post subject: sanding sealer

Very helpfull many thanks. If I decide to use sanding sealer I take it that I apply that first let it dry then do the sanding.
JIm

Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:06 pm     Post subject:

You are correct - although keep in mind that you can apply multiple coatings of sanding sealer to help level the wood surface (sanding with #220 grit sandpaper in between each coating). Also make certain to wipe off all excess sanding residue prior to applying additional coatings.

Don't forget - experimenting on a scrap piece of wood is the tell-all. Finish your scrap piece just as you would your wood assembly. Although time consuming - the benefit is that you can take all guess work out of the finishing process as you proceed with your wood assembly.

Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 10:26 am     Post subject: sanding sealer

Sounds like good advice many thanks
Jim