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I'm planning to use behlens Vinyl sealer and Behlens instrument lacquer. They are available at my local Woodcraft(40-50 miles away).
This will be the first time I've actually used anything but aerosol lacquer, and I have a few questions.
Firstly, does the vinyl sealer go on fairly smooth, or will it require level sanding like the sanding sealer I have used in the past? Can it be sanded level?
Secondly, i mentioned sanding sealer. I used that a couple of times and did not like it. It never hardened, and always felt really fragile to be using for a base for my finish. Because of this, I stopped using it, and started just sealing with lacquer. Spray enough coats to seal the wood, and then begin laying on finish. I prefer this, FWIW.
The instructions with the Behlen lacquer says that I MUST USE the vinyl sealer under the lacquer. Is this actually true? Does anyone here use Behlens and skip the sealer?
Finally, the instructions say that the Behlens is ready to go, and needs no thinner. Can I thin it a little anyway, and what type/ratio of thinner would you recommend?

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

I definitely recommend using the vinyl sealer. You may risk the finish delaminating or checking if you do not. I recommend sanding the sealer, I use 320 grit for that. you can sand it level if you put enough down. The sealer will feel soft as compared to lacquer, that's because its' job is not just to seal the wood but to help provide a "cushion" for the finish as the wood expands and contracts.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Good deal. Thanks, Brian. Sealer it is, then.

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Mike

The only thing nescessary for evil to thrive is for good men to do nothing.

Thanks Brian! I've used it on the last few guitars and like it but wasn't sure why I used it. Just cuz. Being that you're going to use it Mike, it's a great base coat and once laid down and sanded( I us 220 for that first one) It makes a great base for the next coats. Saves a lot of subsequent levelling. In fact while on the subject of base coats. I just switched to Z-Poxey from West. I'm sold. It sands so much nicer. I hope the long term results are good.

Good Luck,
Danny

I have been using this for a long time with great results.
I seal - fill - seal then lay out the finish coats. A light sanding is at best all you need on the sealer.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I am with Todd on this. When I spray I hit the top sealer coat in about 10 min with a 20% thinned mix of lacquer. I stopped using shellac years ago as a base sealer . For best results follow the manufactures advice. This is not just about finish , it is about chemistry compatibility of the finish product.

_________________
John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it