Intro - Materials - Prep - Surface Prep - Strip - Repairs - Sanding - Staining - Sealer- Finish
Margin of Error: Not applicableMost Common Mistakes
- Not letting the sealer dry before applying the next coat.
A sanding sealer should be applied after a stain. This is a transparent sanding sealer put on the wood to firm up the fuzz of wood fibers which stick up after stripping and sanding. Sanding sealer was invented to solve the problem with shellac and varnish. Because it is relatively quick drying it is also a solution to the long drying times between varnish layers. (Apply a base of one coat of sanding sealer and one coat of varnish instead of two coats of varnish as the base.) Let the sealer dry overnight.
This sanding sealer will make it easier to sand the wood smooth the next day, prior to applying the final finishing coat. Use an orbital sander and the various sanding shapes with a 220-grit sandpaper. The smoother the finish the longer it will last, because of less friction in cleaning and less places where dirt can lodge.
Go over the piece with a vacuum and tack cloth before continuing.
Warning: Sanding sealer is not meant to be used below any polyurethane finish. Polyurethane finishes will not adhere to most sanding sealer and the polyurethane will peel off.
Tip: Do not use sanding sealer before using a polyurethane finish. The polyurethane will not adhere to the sealer and will peel off.
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