General Finishes Seal-A-Cell and Arm-R-Seal

[Maylon Harvey]

I’m giving General Finishes Seal-A-Cell and Arm-R-Seal a try as I’ve seen many members here use it very successfully. My question is do you buff it or just leave it as is after the last coat?

[Bernie Weishapl]

Maylon I use General Finishes a lot. I don't buff mine but don't see why you couldn't. I just like the semi-gloss look it gives.

[Jim Kountz]

Absolutely my go to finish for EVERYTHING practically. I will toy with other stuff but if its something special or for a customer (flat work, havent sold any turnings yet) I always use the General finishes. Never saw a need to buff them but no reason why you couldnt.
Give it a shot and let us see how it works out!!

[Neal Addy]

I use Seal-A-Cell on most of my pieces. I love the look a buff gives it.

I'm not too keen on poly so I rarely use Arm-R-Seal. I prefer a more natural feel to the wood.

[Maylon Harvey]

Thanks Bernie, Jim and Neal for your replies. What I have done is one coat of Seal A Cell and 4 coats of Satin Arm R Seal. It sure was easy to put on without runs etc. After 4 coats it looks great, it does have a nice feel and slight sheen. But I think the Satin is a bit too dull. So I'm going to give it a slight buff after it cures for a few days. I want to try the Semi Gloss and the Gloss, do you have a source for these. Craft Supply, where I got mine, only carries the Satin.

Neal, when you use the Sea A Cell only and buff, what is your procedure, how many coats etc?

[David Christopher]

Do you guys put this on while the piece is on the lathe ???

[Bernie Weishapl]

Do you guys put this on while the piece is on the lathe ???

No David I put it on after it is completely turned and off the lathe.

[Bernie Weishapl]

Thanks Bernie, Jim and Neal for your replies.

I want to try the Semi Gloss and the Gloss, do you have a source for these. Craft Supply, where I got mine, only carries the Satin.

Neal, when you use the Sea A Cell only and buff, what is your procedure, how many coats etc?

Maylon I get my semi-gloss from Woodcraft in Denver. Rockler also carries all three. Satin, semi and gloss. I tried a pint of the gloss and it is just to much plastic look for me. So I just keep semi-gloss and satin on hand.

[David Christopher]

No David I put it on after it is completely turned and off the lathe.

Bernie, do you buff ? dont want to hijack this thread but would like to know the steps and compounds for buffing

[Maylon Harvey]

Do you guys put this on while the piece is on the lathe ???

David,
This is how I do it and I guess you could say it is still on the lathe just a different one. After I turn the bowl, sand inside and out, take off scroll chuck, remount on vacuum chuck to turn and sand bottom, I’m ready to put on my finish of choice. If I use an oil finish, it’s easy, just wipe on, wipe off 2 or 3 coats wait a few days and 3 wheel buff. But any of the film finishes are a little harder. I’m sure there are easier/better ways that are used by others but this is how I do it. I hot glue one of the spindles I have made for this purpose to as close to the center of the bowl as I can. See pictures. I then put it on my metal lathe for 2 reasons, one is the low 70 RPM speed and the other is my spindle fits in the metal lathe 3 jaw scroll chuck. But the spindles could be made to match your wood lathe chuck. I then apply my multiple coats of finish with the lathe running. I have tried many applicators and the best I have found is a 1 inch foam brush. No lint or streaks. The hardest part is getting just the right amount of finish. Enough for coverage but not so much that it runs. I then take it off the lathe and stand it in a 2x4 that I have drilled holes to match the end of my spindle to dry. Let it dry over night put back on the lathe buff with 0000 steel wool, wipe with a tack rag and put on another coat. Keep doing this till I get the number of coats I want and that depends on the wood and the finish I’m using. I then clamp my spindle in the vice and holding TIGHTLY onto the bowl give it a whack with the heel of my hand to break it off. So far I haven’t broke or dropped one yet.:rolleyes: And the hot glue always stays on the end of the spindle, I guess because it is a little rough and the bowl bottom is 400 grit smooth. I then put the same number of coats on the bottom. It’s an awful lot of steps but it’s what works for me. Good thing I’m not a production turner, I’d starve to death.;) I would love to hear how others hold the bowl to put on film finishes.

[Maylon Harvey]

Maylon I get my semi-gloss from Woodcraft in Denver. Rockler also carries all three. Satin, semi and gloss. I tried a pint of the gloss and it is just to much plastic look for me. So I just keep semi-gloss and satin on hand.

Thanks Bernie

[David Christopher]

Thanks Maylon that helps alot

[Bernie Weishapl]

Bernie, do you buff ? dont want to hijack this thread but would like to know the steps and compounds for buffing

Most times when I use General Finishes if it for a utility item that I would eat from or sell to eat from I don't buff. If I do buff I wait 10 days or longer to make sure the finish has cured. If I do buff I use the tripoli and white diamond. I don't use wax on my turnings for utility purposes but use Renaissance wax or clear shoe polish on decorative items. If it is porous dark wood I skip the white diamond. You will have white spots all over.

[David Christopher]

thanks Bernie !!!!!!!