We’re doing some restorations in a very old office building, including refinishing the oak floors, which in the foyer are narrow strip oak, face nailed. I’d prefer to use WB finish, but of course don’t want black stains. What do you think about a wash coat of shellac (or?) to seal it before the poly?
PaulB
Replies
Black stains from what?
Face nails. Not a good idea with oak, and WB poly.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
Steel nails, especially in the presence of water, react with the tannins in oak to make black stains.PaulB
I'd think the shellac would work, but I'd lean towards oil poly if it was me.Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
Main problem Duane, is that there are two offices that would be inaccessable during drying time. Not to mention that I'm sure I'd hear whining about the smell...
Gonna do some more homework, but I'm thinking the shellac avenue is how I'll go. Thanks...PaulB
A fairly well known stain blocker, BIN, by Zinzer, is nothing more than white pigmented shellac. Plain, unwaxed, shellac should be okay--make sure it has no wax in it though.
Just be careful in choosing the WB poly, when I was involved in Hydrocote ( good choice IMO) the POLY was self sealing and it was not recommended to use a sanding sealer, BUT I am pretty darn certain that it would be OK over shellac. I have done it with no problems, but wouldn't want a FU to befall you by saying "Sure ya can".
Hydrocote is good stuff.
http://hydrocote.com/Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
"We strive for conversion,we get lost in conversation, and wallow in consternation. "Me.
Yeah, I've used their stuff, it would be a good choice. I'm gonna make some phone calls Monday and get specific advice (with a name to pass the blame to if something goes wrong ;) )PaulB
are these face nails set? Generally face nailed strip flooring is full of iron stains by the time it gets really old. If it isn't, why not try a spot with the WB poly and see if it will cause a problem. I'm thinking with how quickly it dries, it may not be a problem.
Rich
Well... I hear ya, but I don't want to take a chance that I get a phone call in two months asking why the floor is covered with black streaks :P
PaulB