cherry island finish

[bruce buren]

I have a cherry island that im gonna finsih next week. I'm going to spray laquer, do I need to do anything before the laquer? I have sanded to 220. I was going to just put two coats of laquer on it.

Thanks

[Bob Wingard]

Depends on what you expect it to look like when you're done.

[Tony Bilello]

A vinyl sealer will make the overall coating more moisture and water resistant.

[bruce buren]

Bob,
I just want a natural cherry that will age with time, I was wondering if a sealcoat of shellac was a good idea

[Rob Sack]

I would "stain" it first with a product such as Minwax natural or Cabot's natural, which seems to have more natural colored "solids." I wouldn't bother with vinyl sealer, but go directly to spray lacquer. I am assuming you are planning to use solvent based lacquer. I would also use pre catalyzed lacquer for its improved durability, and depending if you plan to thin the material before spraying, I would consider at least three coats for maximum depth appearance and durability. The combination of the "natural stain" and solvent based lacquer will allow the cherry to naturally age.

[Chris Fournier]

A vinyl sealer will make the overall coating more moisture and water resistant.

An emphatic +1 on this suggestion. I never use lacquer without this sealing coat. Check out the finsih formulators instructions if you want predictable results.

[bruce buren]

thanks guys I did apply a seal coat today and then sanded with 320 . I am using solvent based precat laquer

[Bob Wingard]

Bob,
I just want a natural cherry that will age with time, I was wondering if a sealcoat of shellac was a good idea

Bruce .. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic (you'll KNOW when THAT happens) ... just wondering what color/finished gloss/protection level you were looking for. There are so many options, and you gave so little information, I just thought I'd ask what you expected the final result to look like.