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Sealers--are they effective?


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There is an article in the latest issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine (June, 2016 #225) on wood (sanding) sealers.  While it probably does not broadly apply to us modelers, there are comments on the advisability of thinning, water based, poly, etc.  Some comments excerpted...Water-based sanding sealer-- no need for it.  Sealers for lacquer and alkyd varnish weaken the finish.  No sealer needed for polyurethane varnish.  No reason to thin the first coat (this does not apply to thinning paints to get better color at scale!).  They do admit that thinning  provides better bonding, but lack of bonding probably applies to boats in wet environments and that problem arises from moisture getting under the finish.  I have no opinion on any of these conclusions...above my pay grade.

Maury

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My personal experience is that using a sanding sealer prevents the grain from lifting during sanding resulting in a better surface.  I haven't any problems with the finish as a result but I generally use a water based sealer with water based finishes.

My advice and comments are always worth what you paid for them.

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The products that are labeled as "Sand and Sealer" strike me as being too thick  for model use.   It may save having to fill pores with dilute Plaster of Paris for a smooth surface in Oak, Walnut, Ash, Hickory, etc. but those species are out of scale for model use anyway.

 

The soak in products bare a look:  50% pure Tung oil in Mineral Spirits or  5% Super Blonde/ 10% Orange shellac.

Edited by Jaager

NRG member 50 years

 

Current:  

NMS

HMS Ajax 1767 - 74-gun 3rd rate - 1:192 POF exploration - works but too intense -no margin for error

HMS Centurion 1732 - 60-gun 4th rate - POF Navall Timber framing

HMS Beagle 1831 refiit  10-gun brig with a small mizzen - POF Navall (ish) Timber framing

The U.S. Ex. Ex. 1838-1842
Flying Fish 1838  pilot schooner - POF framed - ready for stern timbers
Porpose II  1836  brigantine/brig - POF framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers
Vincennes  1825  Sloop-of-War  - POF timbers assembled, need shaping
Peacock  1828  Sloop-of -War  - POF timbers ready for assembly
Sea Gull  1838  pilot schooner - POF timbers ready for assembly
Relief  1835 packet hull USN ship - POF timbers ready for assembly

Other

Portsmouth  1843  Sloop-of-War  - POF timbers ready for assembly
Le Commerce de Marseilles  1788   118 cannons - POF framed

La Renommee 1744 Frigate - POF framed - ready for hawse and stern timbers

 

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  I generally skip any sealer by just applying a thin first coat of finish and sanding lightly to knock off the hairs, then build up the finish from there. I find this method maintains the original color of the wood and creates a deeper looking finish.

Current build:

 

     A Battleship

 

Past builds:

 

   The Unicorn - The Lindworm - Malahini -  Shinobi Maru  -  The MaryJane - The Weeligstraal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

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