Decking Sealer

[Criplr702]

I did some searching on here as to what I need to use for a deck sealer. I'm building HMS Victory and I'm putting down the deck with thread in between the planking. What can I use to seal it before I sand and varnish? Thanks for any advice, I'm sure I'll have lots of future questions also.

 

[Corsair]

There are many things you can use. I like to use a satin polyurethane. There is a water based one available at Home Depot.

 

[Criplr702]

So would this be something clear and then I sand it and apply varnish?

 

[Corsair]

Sand it and apply it. Yes, it's clear. Because it's polyurethane, it can be a final finish.

 

[Criplr702]

So the problem is, with the thread in between the planking, if you try

Sand it and apply it. Yes, it's clear. Because it's polyurethane, it can be a final finish.

My issue is you can't sand the deck before using some kind sealer as it will mess up the thread between the planking.

 

[Corsair]

All wood finishes that I'm aware of require some wood surface preparation before application. It should be fairly decent. Go ahead and apply it. Maybe fine sand a little after application and re-apply if needed.

 

[Rob444]

I use a couple of coats of sanding sealer before final sanding and painting. It works well does not leave much of a "finish" on the wood and prepares the surface for the paint.

 

[Kurt Konrath]

Do a test with scraps to see effect it has. I use steel wool to do final sanding, doesn't snag on things like standing sticks.