Please Critique My Finishing Plans


Hammer5573

Recommended Posts

I'm in the process of building a four-drawer chest made of maple. My plans for finishing are as follows:

1. Sand surface to #320 grit

2. Spritz the surface using distilled water in order to raise the grain

3. Re-sand the surface to #320 grit

4. Seal the wood using de-waxed shellac

5. Sand surface with #400 grit paper

6. Spray it with stain (probably water based)

7. French polish the piece

Does this sound like a sound plan..?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Define 'stain'. Sealed surfaces will be far less likely to absorb the color, and water-based stains often dissolve in alcohol as well, so may lift during the french polish process. Also, sanding that high helps the wood repel stain, so I hope you are aiming for a pretty light color!

Aside from these things that I have experienced myself with the color, your plan should produce a very silky-smooth surface, that looks and feels fantastic.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Define 'stain'. Sealed surfaces will be far less likely to absorb the color, and water-based stains often dissolve in alcohol as well, so may lift during the French polish process. 

 I once read (can't find it now) that dewaxed shellac could be stained and that it would prevent any blotching..?

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Using diluted shellac is indeed a well-known method for minimizing blotch. That is because it reduces the absorption of the stain, especially in areas where the wood fiber ends exit / enter the face of the board. So, you must apply more coats to get the same coverage as a single coat over raw wood, but the color should be more even. When I have used shellac this way, I dilute it to about a 1/2 lb. cut. The simplest way (IMO) is to purchase Zinsser Seal Coat and mix it with alcohol.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 10/9/2021 at 11:38 AM, Hammer5573 said:

 

 

I dilute itto about a 1/2 lb. cut. The simplest way (IMO) is topurchase Zinsser Seal Coat and mix it with alcohol. 

I know how to make a half-pound cut using shellac crystals but how do I do it using the Zinsser (liquid form)..?

 

 

Zinsser SealCoat is a 2lb cut out of the can.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Since most woodworkers don't venture above 220 the distinction gets forgotten.  For my turned pieces I am frequently sanding up to P1200 so it's something I pay attention to.

It's not that one scale is better than the other, but you don't want to be jumping back and forth in the high grits.  What I have found is that "P" grits are the more commonly available (even though they are "european"), so I try to stick with them.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Who's Online   3 Members, 0 Anonymous, 42 Guests (See full list)

  • Forum Statistics

    31.2k
    Total Topics
    421.7k
    Total Posts
  • Member Statistics

    23,756
    Total Members
    3,644
    Most Online
    FaithMoody
    Newest Member
    FaithMoody
    Joined