Do I need sealer on dense wood?

[jeffjozwiak]

Hi,

I need to lacquer a peghead. The wood is classified as dense. The grain looks closed, non-porous. Would you recommend that I seal it? Is it necessary to seal it?

This is unfinished from Warmoth so I'm hoping it doesn't need any special prep such as cleaning, sanding, sealing. But to be on the safe side, what do you think?

joz

 

[jackthehack]

It depends, what kind of wood?

 

[jeffjozwiak]

The wood is Imbuia. It's a Brazilian Walnut...but it's not truly a walnut.

joz

 

[Keyser Soze]

Never worked with the stuff myself.

The woodworking sites say it glues well, which generally means it is not an oily wood.  They also say it 'finishes well' whatever that might mean...

You probably don't need to seal it.  But might want to consider it anyway.

Me, I'm paranoid about fish eyes.  I will not shoot nitro without sealing with a washcoat of very thin shellac (1 lb. cut.)

And, if I'm using nitro, it is because I want a thin, mirror smooth, wet look finish.  Even on a very smooth/tight wood (e.g. maple) I'll still wash coat with shellac, apply a few coats of nitro sanding sealer, sand smooth, then proceed to final finish.

You want it to look perfect right?