Another serious product – helper for the pre- finishing treatment of a woodworking project is the wood sealer and its importance is undeniable for all kinds of projects , for all kinds of wood .
The wood sealer is a serious helper for the general condition of the wood and it isn’t “another filler the markets have” .
I know that the big number of the wood treatment products , may be confused and many may think that all are the same , but this isn’t the case .
I say this to all of this series of articles , concerning the pre-finishing and finishing products for woodworking .
“Every product the manufacturers create , are mainly focused to do only one job 100% good and the best they can . If parallel they can accomplish something extra , it’s ok .”
But their main job is one and their chemical formula is targeted to do this main job , the best it possible can do .
The wood sealer is firstly a top product to seal wood and then maybe something else extra .
A great wood sealer is the wax , even if it’s not as the sealers you find in the stores . Nothing gets inside the wood’s mass if you wax it as a last finishing layer .
See in HERE , my top product sealer suggestions to get from the markets .
What does a sealer do to wood ?
The primary job of a sealer , is to seal the wood and don’t let anything to pass from one side of it , to the other side , preventing in this way the wear , the water – moisture which wants to penetrate wood , the discoloring the high UV’s and whatever else wants to go inside the wood’s mass .
The wood sealer has a chemical formula focused to seal wood and don’t let anything penetrate inside , as a well armored door does to a safe deposit .
What is the difference , between sealer and a sealant ?
The sealant is to fill bigger holes and discontinuities to wood and it’s like the wood putty , while the sealer goes deep inside the wood , make it impenetrable to any factor which wants to enter its mass .
Does Varnish , seal wood ?
There are different products , with different chemical formulas , as the wood sealer , seals wood in every place and every condition as a pre – finishing treatment , while the varnish is last finishing layer of a wooden project , mostly for indoors circumstances .
The varnish seals wood in a grade , but not as a professional sealer does .
Is better to Stain or seal wood ?
The seal of wood , is a pre- treatment material , while the stain is the last finishing step of the wood finishing , giving color to wood and of course these two materials can be combined with great results .
Seal your wood’s pores with a nice sealer , then stain it and your long lasting result will be perfect .
Can i put sealer , Over varnish ?
No , you cannot because the varnish is the last finishing step layer for a wooden project and the sealer is one step before treatment .
Do you paint , Before sealing ?
No , you don’t , the paint is the last top coat you’ll use to finish your wooden project – surface .
Does wood sealer make wood Waterproof ?
Yes , in a very high level , but not totally waterproof and not for ever . To make the wood totally waterproof and for ever is a very difficult “puzzle” – situation and maybe it’s not possible with 100% efficiency .
Not even the Shou – Sugi Ban Japanese technique can make it for ever . See in HERE more for this .
How long does wood sealer , Last ?
This depends from the type of sealer you use , the type of wood you have , the general weather conditions , the last finishing product you’ll use and the generic treatment you’ll give to your wooden surface .
When should i use wood sealer ?
When you want for any reason to seal a wooden piece – project , from any external unwanted situation , you may use a sealer and i suggest you when you do that , try to have the wood pores as open as you can , let ir dry , then sand a little and proceed to your last top coating .
The aggresive sanding makes the pores wide open and after the sealer’s dryuing you may use a light sandpaper to smoothen the whole thing and make it uniform .
Does varnish , Act as a sealant ?
Yes it does , but it cannot compare to a sealer which is made from its roots especially for the job and has the appropriate chemical formula , last long , et.c .
The best wood varnish products , are in HERE .
Does varnish , Needs sealer ?
Yes , if you want to make a perfect finishing job and take a result that will last way longer , from not using a sealer at all and varnish only your wood plan .
What happens if you Don’t seal wood ?
You make it more vulnerable to the external tough conditions , because it’ll have only the protection of the last finishing coating and nothing else .
Do you sand wood , After sealing ?
Yes , if you’ve made an aggresive sanding before to open the wood’s pores , you’ll need a light sanding to make the surface smooth and uniform for the last coating .
If you’ve sanded before the sealer and your surface is smooth , you may overcome the sanding .
What happens if you put sealer on Wet wood ?
It’s not recommended to use a sealer on a wet wooden surface , even if the sealer is an oil based one , because as you may know water and oil cannot be mixed , get together and make a strong bond .
So the water will make the sealer penetration to your wood , impossible and will mess things up in general .
The wet wood’s mass is a very difficult situation , in general and of course during the drying process , everything changes .
Prefer the dry wood , in order to be stable and not trouble you .
Do you have to Clean wood , before sealing ?
Yes , you should have a clean wooden surface of any other material on it , especially other chemicals which there aren’t compatible with the chemical formula of your sealer and cause a problem .
How do you seal , Naturally ?
Totally natural oils and waxes , the shellac and the pumice dust , can seal wood in a very high grade , with the wax being more capable , but you should be aware that these solution aren’t permanent and they need re – applying constantly , according to the general – weather conditons you have .
See in HERE some best oils & waxes combinations , for natural preservance – sealing .
Can you seal wood with Olive oil ?
Yes , you can do that but you should be aware that the oils and waxes aren’t permanent sealing solutions for your wood .
The mechanic of Alexander the Great and the Ancient Greeks , boil their wood into oils , grease to make them waterproof and stronger in a high lavel . But not permanent .
What is the Easiest way to seal wood ?
The oils and waxes are the easiest and maybe cheapest way to seal your wood and have very good results for a long time , especially if you re-fresh them constantly .
If you combine warm oil for deeper penetration and then after the drying you apply to your wood a nice beeswax , you’ll take very nice sealer result .
See in here some top quality waxes to purchase in HERE .
How many sealer coats of wood sealer , should i use ?
This depends from the type of wood you have and its pores , its general density in order to let the sealer penetrate deep and of course the sealer type you have for the job .
A nice wood sealer , appropriate and compatible with the last layer coating you want ot provide to your carpentry project , is highly recommended for the durabilty and long lasting of your wood , in a variety of conditions .
Keep woodworking and the happiness will never abandon you .