Options for finishing a piece with partial gesso coverage

[Glen Blanchard]

What kind of finish options do I have for a piece that has both gesso and exposed wood? Do I have to treat these areas differently or is there a finish I can use over the entire piece? Anything that does not have to be sprayed? It's a hollow form so it will get limited handling.

[John Keeton]

Glen, I usually seal prior to the gesso with de-waxed shellac (Seal-Coat) and if you want to apply a finish over the gesso, it seems compatible with everything I have used, so I doubt there is an issue. When in doubt, apply a coat of Seal-Coat to everything and press onward!

[Glen Blanchard]

Thanks, John. I did some experimenting this afternoon with the gesso and pretty much arrived at the same conclusion.