Best sealer before painting signs

[Tim Boger]

I'm making small CNC carved box tops, some get crushed stone inlay and some get painted then sanded to leave only what's in the recess.

What is your recommendation of sealer before Paint or Material Fill with Thin CA Glue? Shellac, Lacquer, Polyurethane or other?

I've been using rattle can clear gloss Lacquer with OK results, just looking for something that doesn't require 3-5 coats before it's somewhat protected.

My final finish will continue to be Lacquer.

Thanks

[Jim Becker]

A safe choice will likely always be de-waxed shellac which you can also get in rattle cans...I keep a can or three in my shop at all times for things like this. It's compatible with other finishes relative to adhesion, dries quickly and should provide you with the "seal" you need to prevent any color migration. There are lots of folks who use it for multi-color sign work via masking already for exactly the same reasons as you likely need to account for. And...it's safer than the solvent based lacquer...

[Tim Boger]

Thanks Jim, exactly what I was looking for.

Tim