Stain first or seal first

[ashemando]

I seem to be hearing lots of opinions on this first step.
Now I see DIY network with Lynn Dudenbostel applying stain first then shellac to bare wood.
Is there a consensus of opinion here? Thanks

[sunburst]

Is there a consensus of opinion here? Thanks
Short answer: No.

There are different methods of applying the stain. Some seal the wood first, some don't. There's no wrong or right way. If the results are good, it's OK.

There have been several threads in the past about this type of thing, so try searching a few topics and see what you can find.

[Jim Hilburn]

Wiping on or spraying? Makes a difference.

[ashemando]

So can the stain/dye be mixed with the sealer coat?
Should the clear coats then be of another solvent to prevent
stain from running/blotching?
Seems that some agreed upon general principles should exist.

[ashemando]

My preference as a newbie would be to wipe rather than spray-
seems one would have a bit more control. Plus, less equipment
needed and maybe less potential toxicity?

[Dale Ludewig]

Each option you've listed and a particular trait. I would highly suggest purchasing Bob Flexner's book on Wood Finishing. It's a great reference. It doesn't answer all the specific questions you ask, but it'll go a long way toward getting a good understanding of how a lot of the stuff works in conjunction with each other method.

I'd also recommend searching this site for topics that are related, such as finishes, finishing methods, and all such. This has been discussed many times before ( and it will probably be again when somebody comes up with something that has many builders interested). There is already a wealth of info on this topic- just do a simple search. If you can't find what you want, PM me and I'll try to hunt them down. If you really do a search, I'll bet you'll find more information than you can believe. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[Jim Hilburn]

Much of what I know about finishes came from buying Stew-Mac video's. There's nothing like being able to watch guys who know what they're doing and explaining it as they go along.

[Stephanie Reiser]

I never 'seal' maple, as it is a very tight-grained wood. If you were building an instrument out of, say, walnut, then sealing is just about a must. I suppose a case could be made for spruce, or even the very brash ebony, but I dont seal those either.

[Jim Hilburn]

Steph, I'm afraid you're mixing up sealing with grain filling. Filling is applying a thick coat of filler that is worked into open grain to give a flat surface to apply the final finish. Sealing is using a barrier coat either improve adhesion, protect the finish from oils bleeding from the wood in the case of rosewood, or in the case of a sunburst protect the color. Sanding sealers actually do a bit of both jobs.

[Stephanie Reiser]

I think you're right, Jim.
I got filling mixed with sealing.