Remove all sanding debris with a tack cloth. If you're applying a finish directly over sanded wood, more than one coat of sealer may be necessary to close the wood's pores completely. In this case, let the first coat of sealer dry completely before applying another coat.
Polyurethane, varnish, and lacquer are tried-and-true sealants with excellent waterproofing properties. For best results, apply the wood finish at room temperature, ideally between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Many people use nothing but a coat of dewaxed shellac as a sanding sealer. Zinsser SealCoat, a pre-mixed 2 lb. cut of crystal-clear dewaxed shellac, is one of the most lauded products in this category.
One of the most affordable and decent clear coat products is the Minwax Polycrylic Protective Finish. This clear coat is a water-based formula that dries quickly and is fairly durable. The best top coat for stained wood furniture is General Finishes High Performance Top coat.
Clear finish can be applied over stain or directly to raw wood. It's an extra step, but it's always worth the time.
While polyurethane is water- or oil-based plastic resin, varnish is older and made from resins, oils, and solvents. Because of the higher ratio of solids, varnish is less susceptible to ultraviolet light damage. This protection makes varnish an excellent choice for projects such as outside decks and exterior furniture.
Sanding sealer should be used after the wood has been sanded down to a bare finish but before the topcoat (such as paint) has been applied. Applying sanding sealer to a stained surface is generally not recommended, as the sanding step will scuff away the stain.
A sanding sealer is not the same as a wood conditioner. Whereas a wood conditioner is a pre-stain treatment that reduces blotchiness when staining, a sanding sealer is applied only to bare wood that is not going to be stained.
A staple in many bathroom cabinets, over the years Vaseline has been found to have many uses around the home. * Protect your wooden furniture with Vaseline, in the same way that you would use a wood polish. * Protect your leather couches by applying a small amount to a clean cloth and rubbing it on.
Natural Oil Wood Finishes. Linseed, tung, refined hemp, soy, and walnut oil are all-natural oils that on their own can be used to seal and protect wood. They are called drying oils. Drying oils penetrate, harden and preserve wood – providing a long-lasting finish that does not turn rancid.
Sealing wood is an important step in protecting it from moisture, dirt, and other damaging elements. However, it's important to apply the sealer correctly in order to get the best results.
Sanding between coats of finish
For sanding the first coat of finish or paint, which is considered the sealer coat, sand with 180 to 220 grit sandpaper for oil-based and water based finishes and 220 grit for paint.
Here's the procedure. Sand the wood to remove machine marks and other flaws. Wipe or brush on a wet coat of oil and keep the surface wet for several minutes, rewetting any areas that become dull because the finish has soaked in. Wipe off all the excess.
We recommend no more than 1-2 coats, then finish with 1-2 coats of topcoat.
Oil-based polyurethane is durable and scratch-resistant, which makes it the best choice for refinishing wooden floors or furniture that gets a lot of use (kitchen table, we're looking at you). Oil-based polyurethane also handles high heat like a champ, which water-based polyurethane and polycrylic do not.
Once your piece is sanded and wiped clean, block off any areas you don't want painted with painter's tape—like hardware and hinges you can't easily remove. Next, put on a face mask to protect yourself from fumes and add your primer. "Whether or not you need to prime depends on the type and condition of the surface.
“As for a sanding sealer, I usually just use shellac. Typically a 1 lb cut. There are two ways to do this. I either buy pre-mixed shellac (Bullseye SealCoat), and dilute it from 2lb cut to 1lb cut.
Hardwax oils are a great option if you are looking for a matte finish that keeps both the natural look and feel of the wood. Polyurethanes are great if you want an increased sheen and prefer less texture to the floor. The trend in recent years is a natural-appearing finish that complements the character of the wood.
Varnish works well for exterior finishes on decks and patio furniture. Polyurethane works better on wooden surfaces that are indoors. While varnish is durable and inexpensive, it's best suited for softer woods. Polyurethane dries quicker and requires fewer coats but won't hold up in the outdoors.
Most clear finishes are applied with a brush, working in the direction of the grain of the wood. After it dries, sand lightly. Then remove all the sanding dust and apply a second coat. For added durability, a third coat can be applied.