sealing douty wood

[Gary Chapman]

I have a large bowl with 1/4 of it being soft doty wood. It is a beautiful maple designs all through the wood wher it sat on the ground and aged. What can I do to stiffen the soft wood so I won't have to waste it?
I have use CA glue in little areas but this is a lot of area. Thanks

 

[TJ Hamilton]

Hi Gary, CA is a proven answer to your question. Thin first to soak in and then maybe a thicker version, mixed with sawdust to make a final top surface.

Best regards, Tom, born a Hoosier but now in Georgia.

 

[john lucas]

I used thinned lacquer. It penetrates really well. It might take several coats but it's a lot cheaper than CA. CA is really good for small areas.

 

[Gary Chapman]

I used thinned lacquer. It penetrates really well. It might take several coats but it's a lot cheaper than CA. CA is really good for small areas.

John,
Will the thinned lacquer interfer with my polyurrethane finish? thanks

 

[MichaelMouse]

The lacquer, or any of the products like Minwax Wood Hardener or Rot Doctor won't interfere with urethanes. You have to provide them with a bit of grip by sanding, but they adhere mechanically to the layer under them.

You may not like the results of using an oil-based finish on the rest of the wood and lacquer on patches. If you lacquer and prevent oil on one section, I'd seal it all.

 

[Bernie Weishapl]

I sometimes use epoxy mixed with Denatured Alcohol mixed to the consistancy of milk. I paint it on let it soak in till it won't take anymore and let it dry for 24 hrs. I use this when I have a large area of soft or punky wood.

Michael is right that no matter which you use be it lacquer, wood hardener, epoxy, CA, etc. a oil base finish will not work. Poly or Lacquer will work fine.