Seal-A-Cell Application Steps:
- Watch Seal-A-Cell Product Overview Video
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before use.
- Test for adhesion
- Apply 1-2 coats.
- Apply a liberal amount of product using a natural bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, staining pad or cotton cloth. Wipe along the wood grain using smooth, even strokes. Avoid heavy pressure and back brushing.
- Wipe off excess evenly with the grain and with light pressure using a cloth or absorbent paper towel.
- Apply first coat of topcoat before sanding.
Topcoat: Topcoat with Arm-R-Seal or Gel Topcoat to enhance durability.
Application As A Wood Conditioner
- Seal-A-Cell can be used to control stain penetration and prevent blotching on difficult-to-stain woods such as cherry, poplar, and pine.
- Apply one coat with a brush or rag, then wipe off excess. Immediately apply General Finishes Oil Based Gel Stain or Liquid Oil Based Stain over wet Seal-A-Cell.
- Let dry overnight
- Topcoat with General Finishes Arm-R-Seal or Gel Satin Topcoat. Seal-A-Cell has a very small amount of wax, but not enough to interfere with adhesion.
- When using wood conditioners, the stain color will be 20% lighter. Apply a second coat for a deeper, richer color if desired.
Creating Custom Oil Based Stain Colors
- Seal-A-Cell can be used as an oil based clear stain base.
- Add universal tints to Seal-A-Cell to achieve custom colored stains.
- To dilute or lighten the color of General Finishes oil-based stains, add Seal-A-Cell Clear.
High Use Surfaces
- Seal-A-Cell is durable as a stand-alone finish on a table top, but if you are refinishing a high-use surface that will make regular contact with water, household chemicals and wear, we recommend using Arm-R-Seal instead. Seal-A-Cell has modified linseed oil which will pop the grain more, but Arm-R-Seal is more durable overall because of its high urethane content.
- To get the best of both finishes, apply a base coat of Seal-A-Cell to pop the wood grain and then top that with 2 coats Arm-R-Seal for durability. Let Seal-A-Cell dry completely before adding a second coat.
