Even if your wood already feels pretty smooth, take the time to run 400-grit sandpaper over it before sealing it. This will ensure that the surface is completely smooth once the sealant is applied. Sand with the grain, which means that you need to follow the lines of the wood grain straight back and forth. This will help you avoid leaving behind swirly marks on the surface.
A tac cloth is a special sticky cloth that is specially made to remove the dust from the surface of wood after sanding. Tac cloth will remove even fine particles that resist removal from a cloth. Avoid using water on unsealed wood, because it can alter the wood’s grain and create roughness.
The container of your stain will tell you how long you need to wait after applying stain to apply a sealer. Wood stains are available at all hardware and home improvement stores.
For example, many people use this type of combo product with sealing a deck, due to the large surface area that needs to be treated. They are available at all hardware and home improvement stores. These products can typically be applied with a brush or a roller.
For example, oil-based poly will stand up better to the elements outdoors but it takes much longer to dry and cure than water-based products. Water-based poly won’t last quite as long outdoors but can be washed out of tools easily. When picking out a product, you also need to decide between a glossy and matte finished surface.
Polyurethane is self-leveling because it is thin enough to spread out on its own. This means that you should not have to worry too much about achieving an even coat. Make sure to use extra polyurethane for the end grain because this is the most absorbent part of the wood. The end grain is the exposed, cut part of wood on the end of the piece.
A rag with wipe-on polyurethane is the easiest method. Wear gloves during this entire procedure to avoid staining your hands.
After sanding, wipe down the surface with a rag in order to remove any dust you have created.
Keep an eye out for any polyurethane drips, and smooth them out with your brush or rag to avoid a bumpy finish. Drying time varies, so make sure you read your polyurethane’s instructions and keep an eye on the ambient temperature and humidity as well.
Shellac comes in a wide variety of colors, so it can be used to color and seal your wood at the same time.
Use a sponge or rag if you need to cover a large surface. Use a brush if you need to get the shellac into tight corners and detailed areas.
Start at one end of the wood face and work across quickly, making sure that the shellac doesn’t dry as you apply the bands. Work quickly across each face of the wood, one band at a time. Shellac can be a challenging sealant to apply because you need to keep each band wet as you work on the next one.
The shellac melts into itself with each subsequent coat, creating a smooth finish on its own. [13] X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential Painter Expert Interview. 1 March 2021. Shellac is alcohol-based and smells strong, but the smell dissipates after it dries. [14] X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential Painter Expert Interview. 1 March 2021. It is better to wear a respirator and have good airflow while working with it. [15] X Expert Source Jeff BaldwinResidential Painter Expert Interview. 1 March 2021.
A spray gun can be purchased for $50-$100, and is necessary if you plan to use lacquer.
Lacquer is highly toxic when inhaled, so make sure to maintain a well-ventilated area and wear a respirator.
Keep the gun moving so that you never allow a buildup of lacquer in one specific spot on the wood. This will help you avoid drips and the “orange peel” effect.
Once you have several coats applied, the surface will be sealed and smooth to the touch.
