Red Cedar

[BigStick]

Hi guys.
I sent some red cedar to the panel beaters for some two pack clear.(yes I know it's sacrilege) it's a gunstock and I want a durable finish.
after three coats it was crap. Looked like soap suds in spots. He said it was better after the second coat. I don't understand how the first coat doesn't seal for the next coat. I did use some old sanding sealer that the painter gave me. He has had the same trouble with stocks before without sanding sealer. Not sure if it is somthing in his process or moisture in the wood. If he bakes it it is worse.
Any ideas?
Kim

[dai sensei]

Yes I would say moisture in the wood. How dry was it?

If it was not completely dry, and baked above ~120C, then any moisture will boil off

[BigStick]

Neil.
it had been stored in a shed for 35 years and was very dry.
Kim

[dai sensei]

I'm sure it would be seasoned and at OMC, and for normal finishing fine, but if he is using a baked enamel it would not be dry enough. For baked enamel any moisture would turn to steam if above 120C and cause issues. If using two pack he should not be baking at that temperature anyway.

But you said the issue was there before baking, and made worse by baking, so any drops of rain get to it or transported via high humidity areas perhaps?

[BigStick]

Neil.
He is using two pack. I don't think he bakes it as such, just sprays in the booth and leaves it to dry. Not sure if he wipes it with somthing before he sprays it, that might be the key, I will ask next time I see him.
I thought the first coat would seal and further coats would build up but that doesn't seem to be the case. Should I try shellac first as a sealer?
kim

[Simplicity]

If he's doing as he would a car
He will probably hang the item on some wire
Wipe it down with prep wash wipe the prep wash off with a fresh rag
Then wipe with a tac cloth
Then spray, first coat maybe just a dust coat followed by further coats
This will all take about five minutes
I would suspect something coming to the surface during the bake

[Simplicity]

Sorry prep wash is a wax and grease remover
Also my editor is on leave lol

[BigStick]

I believe the prep wash is a liquid, will it soak into the wood and cause the moisture problems?
kim

[Simplicity]

Ye prep wash is a liquid it is also very thin
But I would think it would evaporate before it had a chance to soak in tho
We use to squirt it on a rag from a squirt bottle and wipe on with one hand and wipe of with the other hand
But I'm talking car panels in the body shops I worked I never saw timber off any sort being sprayed
Tho I've heard off it being done

[BigStick]

Thanks guys
kim