Based on the provided information, sanding sealer is made by mixing shellac with denatured alcohol in a specific ratio.
Specifically, according to the reference:
So, sanding sealer is 1/3 shellac with 2/3 denatured alcohol.
Understanding Sanding Sealer Composition
Sanding sealer, as described by the reference, is a simple mixture designed to prepare wood surfaces for finishing. Its primary components are shellac and denatured alcohol.
- Shellac: A natural resin that provides a quick-drying, hard film. It acts as the sealing agent.
- Denatured Alcohol: This acts as the solvent for the shellac, allowing it to be applied as a liquid and then evaporate, leaving the shellac behind.
The Recipe for Sanding Sealer
To make sanding sealer using the method described, you need to combine the two ingredients in the correct proportions.
Here is the breakdown based on the reference:
| Ingredient | Proportion |
|---|---|
| Shellac | 1/3 |
| Denatured Alcohol | 2/3 |
This means for every one part of shellac you use, you will need two parts of denatured alcohol.
Simple Mixing Steps
Making sanding sealer is straightforward. Here's how to do it:
- Gather your ingredients: You will need liquid shellac (often sold as "shellac flakes" needing to be dissolved, or pre-dissolved) and denatured alcohol. Note: Ensure the shellac is compatible with denatured alcohol as its solvent.
- Measure accurately: Use a measuring cup or container to get the correct proportions. For example, if you use 1 cup of shellac, you would add 2 cups of denatured alcohol.
- Combine and mix: Pour the measured shellac and denatured alcohol into a clean container. Stir or shake gently until thoroughly mixed.
The mixture is then ready to be used as a sanding sealer on wood surfaces.
Why Use Sanding Sealer?
Sanding sealer serves several purposes when preparing wood for a final finish:
- It seals the wood pores, providing a smooth surface.
- It stiffens wood fibers, making them easier to sand away for a smoother finish.
- It helps provide a uniform base for the final finish layer, preventing blotchiness, especially on porous woods.
Using the described mixture of 1/3 shellac and 2/3 denatured alcohol creates a solution with a lower concentration of shellac than standard "cut" shellac, which is ideal for penetrating the wood and drying quickly for easy sanding.
