Varnish and Wood sealer recommendation for Bare Mahogany wood hull

[mrsamimi]

Dear Gurus,

I need recommendations for Wood sealer and Varnish for Mahogany Hull, Bare wood, I need items I can but on Amazon US website, Can you please share your Favorite Varnish Brand and wood sealer?

I used Shellac, to finish the hull, did not work well and I had to sand down back to wood, there are very small areas of Shellac left but I think they will be covered with the wood sealer with no issue as Shellac was Zinnser Bulleye Sealer coat 100% wax free, from what I am gathering it can be used under any Varnish or anything else.

What I am hearing is some people use Wipe on poly but my issue is I have never done that and worried of causing bubbles and not being able to complete a good job, Also please tell me if there is a need to sanding between cats and how many cast I need.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Bryian]

You can use the shellac as a wood sealer, then wipe on poly for the topcoat. Do not be concerned about using the poly as it’s self leveling.

 

[mrsamimi]

You can use the shellac as a wood sealer, then wipe on poly for the topcoat. Do not be concerned about using the poly as it’s self leveling.

That sounds perfect! thank you for the answer, any good wipe on poly brand you can recommend? I want Matte finish, Also how would you apply the wipe on poly? With a brush or a rag? do you drop the poly on the model then wipe or pick with brush or rag first?

 

[Roger Pellett]

I’ve never used wipe on poly. Some modelers don’t like it as they say that it gives a “plastic” look. I would just buy a can of ordinary alkyd resin varnish at your local paint, hardware, or home improvement store. Varnishes are available in different glosses: Hi Gloss, Semi Gloss, Satin, and Matt. These can be thinned with mineral spirits (paint thinner). Once the varnish has FULLY CURED gloss can be flattened by rubbing with 0000 steel wool; or pumice or rotten stone on a rag.

Roger