Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer – For Wood & French Polishing

Description

Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer is used to seal wood to provide an excellent base coat and barrier between the first coat and the next layer of French Polish. It is also used to seal wood stain in the timber. Our Shellac Sanding Sealer is produced from pure shellac and alcohol with a special additive included to allow it to sand much more easily and smoothly than other Shellac Polishes, once dry. This shellac-based product has a cloudy appearance from the fine powder that is added, but it is completely transparent when applied. Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer helps to fill the grain, smoothing the surface more quickly than using plain Shellac Polish. Sanding Sealer is applied with a special soft hair polishing brush in the same direction as the grain of the wood.

---

How to Apply Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer

1. Ensure the wood that is going to be sealed is clean, dry and free from dust and dirt etc. You may want to fill any imperfections or small chips using our Wax Filler Sticks before use. Sand the surface to a smooth finish.
2. If needed, Wood Stain the timber to the suitable required shade.
3. Shake the Shellac Sanding Sealer well before use as the additive will settle at the bottom.
4. Apply in a warm dry atmosphere and always in the direction of the grain with a Soft-Hair Polishing Brush. You can de-nib between coats if necessary but allow it to dry thoroughly between coats.
5. For more detailed instructions on French Polishing please see our Guide to French Polishing.
6. Finish using either our Shellac French Polish or if you are looking for a more satin finish, simply apply wax using our Finishing Bees Wax Furniture Polish.

Product Video

---

---

Customer Examples

---

What is Shellac Sanding Sealer?

Shellac Sanding Sealer is a shellac-based wood sealer used to prepare bare timber before applying a final finish such as French polish or furniture wax. It seals the pores of the wood, helps fill the grain and creates a smoother, more even surface for finishing.

Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer is made from pure shellac and alcohol, with a special additive that allows the sealer to sand more easily and smoothly once dry.

Although the product has a cloudy appearance in the container because of the fine additive, it dries transparent when applied, allowing the natural character and grain of the timber to remain visible.

Shellac Sanding Sealer is particularly useful for furniture restoration, antique restoration, cabinet making and traditional French polishing.

---

Why Choose Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer?

Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer has been developed to provide a smooth, sealed base before applying a finishing product.

It is ideal when you need to:

• Seal bare wood before finishing
• Seal wood stain into the timber
• Prepare furniture for French polishing
• Prepare wood before waxing
• Help fill open wood grain
• Create a smoother surface
• Provide a barrier between coats of French polish
• Make sanding between stages easier
• Enhance the appearance of the natural wood grain

The special sanding additive makes the product easier to smooth once dry compared with ordinary shellac polish.

It is available in 250ml, 1 litre and 5 litre sizes, making it suitable for individual furniture restoration projects as well as larger woodworking and restoration jobs.

---

What Can Shellac Sanding Sealer Be Used On?

Shellac Sanding Sealer can be used on most types of bare wood, including both hardwoods and softwoods.

It is particularly useful on open-grained timbers such as oak and mahogany, where sealing the grain can help create a smoother surface before the final finish is applied.

It can be used on:

• Antique furniture
• Wooden tables
• Cabinets
• Chests of drawers
• Chairs
• Oak furniture
• Mahogany furniture
• Walnut furniture
• Doors
• Skirting boards
• Architraves
• Other bare timber

For restoration work, make sure the timber is clean, dry and free from old wax, grease, dirt and dust before application. Always be careful when using on wood veneer.

---

Using Shellac Sanding Sealer Before French Polishing

Shellac Sanding Sealer is an important preparation product for traditional French polishing.

After the timber has been prepared and stained if required, the sanding sealer provides a smooth, sealed base before applying French polish.

It helps seal the wood stain and provides a barrier between the timber and subsequent coats of French polish. It also helps fill the grain, reducing the amount of preparation required before building up the final shellac finish.

For traditional furniture restoration, a typical process is:

Prepare the timber → Stain if required → Apply Shellac Sanding Sealer → Allow to dry → Lightly sand → French Polish

Priory Polishes also supplies a French Polishing Kit containing Shellac Sanding Sealer, Shellac French Polish, raw linseed oil, a French polishing brush and materials for making a polishing rubber.

For detailed instructions, customers can also follow your Guide to French Polishing, which is already linked from the product page.

---

Using Shellac Sanding Sealer Before Waxing

Shellac Sanding Sealer can also be used to prepare wood before applying a furniture wax.

The sealer helps close the pores of the timber and creates a smoother surface, making it easier to achieve an even wax finish.

For a waxed finish, you may wish to apply a second coat if the first coat appears thin. Once completely dry, lightly sand the surface before applying your chosen furniture wax.

This makes Shellac Sanding Sealer particularly useful when restoring furniture that is going to receive a traditional wax finish rather than a high-gloss French polish.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sanding sealer used for?

Sanding Sealer is a very important application for bare wood before waxing or French Polishing. It can be used on any wood surface and is also used to seal the stain in the timber. It is used as a base coat that dries quickly and seals the pores of your wood. It can then be easily smoothed using a fine sanding pad.

When should I use sanding sealer?

You should use a sanding sealer on bare wood or if you have stripped the old finish from the wood. Stain first and then seal the stain whilst filling the grain with the sealer. It can also be used on furniture, floors, doors, skirting boards, architraves and other timbers around your home prior to finishing.

Do I need to sand after sealing?

Yes, after sealing the timber should be lightly sanded to a smooth finish but be careful not to sand through the sealed barrier as this can remove the stain from underneath.

Should I use sanding sealer before staining?

No, you must always stain the wood first and then seal in the stain with the sanding sealer. The stain will not penetrate through the sealed coat.

How many coats should be applied?

We would recommend one coat but if the seal looks a little thin, you can apply a second coat.  It mainly depends on how you are finishing the piece. If French polishing, one coat will be plenty but if you are finishing with a wax finish, then you may want to add a second. Always lightly sand between coats.

How long should I wait to dry before sanding?

This depends on how warm and dry the atmosphere is but we would wait at least 3 hours, but I would recommend leaving for 24 hours to ensure the sealer has fully hardened before sanding.

How do you apply sanding sealer?

For best results, we would recommend applying using a French Polishing Brush in the direction of the wood grain.This brush has very soft bristles so will give you the smoothest finish. This is very important when French polishing as you do not want any streaks in your finish.

Can sanding sealer be used on all types of wood?

Yes. Shellac sanding sealer can be used on most types of wood, including hardwoods and softwoods. It is particularly useful on open-grain timbers such as oak or mahogany, where it helps fill the grain and create a smoother surface before finishing.

Does shellac sanding sealer change the colour of wood?

Shellac sanding sealer dries clear but slightly enhances the natural tone of the timber, bringing out the grain and warmth of the wood without significantly altering the colour.

How Many Coats of Shellac Sanding Sealer Do I Need?

For most French polishing applications, one coat of Shellac Sanding Sealer is generally sufficient. If the sealed surface appears thin or you are preparing the timber for a wax finish, a second coat may be beneficial. Always allow the first coat to dry thoroughly and lightly sand between coats where necessary. The number of coats ultimately depends on the condition and porosity of the timber and the finish you intend to apply.

---

Please note

All equipment must be cleaned whilst wet with Methylated Spirits.

Always test in a small inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the results.

Always wear protective gloves when using this product.

---

Data Sheets

• Safety Data Sheet