All wood projects require preparation sanding before clear coating with a topcoat. If you skip this critical step, your finish may be rough and uneven.
RAW WOOD:
See our video: How to Prep Sand Raw Wood
1. Sand open grain wood with 120 grit sandpaper, followed by 150 grit, then 180 grit. Sand closed grain wood with 150 grit sandpaper followed by 220 grit.
2. Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, a tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
Step 2: How To Apply General Finishes Seal-A-Cell
Seal-A-Cell Application Steps:
- Watch Seal-A-Cell Product Overview Video
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before use.
- Test for adhesion
- Apply 1-2 coats.
- Apply a liberal amount of product using a natural bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, staining pad or cotton cloth. Wipe along the wood grain using smooth, even strokes. Avoid heavy pressure and back brushing.
- Wipe off excess evenly with the grain and with light pressure using a cloth or absorbent paper towel.
- Apply first coat of topcoat before sanding.
Topcoat: Topcoat with Arm-R-Seal or Gel Topcoat to enhance durability.
Application As A Wood Conditioner
- Seal-A-Cell can be used to control stain penetration and prevent blotching on difficult-to-stain woods such as cherry, poplar, and pine.
- Apply one coat with a brush or rag, then wipe off excess. Immediately apply General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain or Liquid Oil Based Stain over wet Seal-A-Cell.
- Let dry overnight
- Topcoat with General Finishes Arm-R-Seal or Gel Satin Topcoat. Seal-A-Cell has a very small amount of wax, but not enough to interfere with adhesion.
- When using wood conditioners, the stain color will be 20% lighter. Apply a second coat for a deeper, richer color if desired.
Creating Custom Oil Based Stain Colors
- Seal-A-Cell can be used as an oil based clear stain base.
- Add universal tints to Seal-A-Cell to achieve custom colored stains.
- To dilute or lighten the color of General Finishes oil-based stains, add Seal-A-Cell Clear.
High Use Surfaces
- Seal-A-Cell is durable as a stand-alone finish on a table top, but if you are refinishing a high-use surface that will make regular contact with water, household chemicals and wear, we recommend using Arm-R-Seal instead. Seal-A-Cell has modified linseed oil which will pop the grain more, but Arm-R-Seal is more durable overall because of its high urethane content.
- To get the best of both finishes, apply a base coat of Seal-A-Cell to pop the wood grain and then top that with 2 coats Arm-R-Seal for durability. Let Seal-A-Cell dry completely before adding a second coat.
Dry Time
Dry Time Between Coats
Dry 24+ hours between coats when applying over raw or stained raw wood, and dry 72+ hours between coats when working over an existing sealed finish in ideal conditions: 70°F/20°C; 50% humidity.
Inadequate dry time is one of the top reasons for finish failure.
You can tell if an oil-based finish is dry if it is no longer tacky, cool to the touch, and if you can press a cotton ball over the surface and nothing sticks. If in doubt, wait longer.
Increase dry time if:
- Humidity is over 80%
- 3+ coats are applied
- Thick coats are applied
- Applying over an existing sealed finish
- Applying over products from other brands
- Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
- Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hrs before applying water-based products
- Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hrs before applying oil-based products
- To accelerate dry time in humid conditions, work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness.
Cure Time Before Use
Oil-based finishes cure and harden completely after 30 days. Avoid placing heavy objects on surfaces that have not completely cured. Treat gently, and do not clean with commercial products during the cure period.
Cleanup of Oil Based Products
Cleanup
Clean up application materials and hands with mineral spirits or waterless hand cleaner, like Goop or Gojo.
Disposal
Take great care when disposing of product-soaked applicators. Application materials, such as brushes and towels, containing oil-based products may spontaneously catch fire if improperly discarded. Immediately place all application materials soaked with this product in a sealed, water-filled metal container. Dispose of in accordance with local fire regulations.
Spills
Clean up spills with mineral spirits immediately while wet. If oil-based finishes dry, they are difficult to clean off any surface, clothes or carpet. Carpet may discolor if cleaned with mineral spirits.
Prevention
Protect your workspace with a tarp, your hands with gloves, and your clothes with an apron.