Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
When should you use sanding sealer, and when should you skip it?
The rule is straightforward. If you are applying a hard finish over the top, such as a wax, lacquer, or polyurethane, use sanding sealer to seal the wood first. If you are using an oil, do not. Oils are designed to penetrate the wood. Apply a sealer underneath and the oil cannot get in properly. The result is a sticky, underperforming finish that is nobody's friend.
Stuart McGovern asked this one on Facebook. Part of the Ask Martin series, where I answer your woodturning questions in 60 seconds or less.
Leave your question in the comments and I pick one or two each week.
#AskMartin #woodturning #woodfinishing #sandingsealer
🎓 Want to learn in person? I run woodturning courses at my school in Hampshire for all levels — from complete beginners through to more advanced techniques. Details at www.thewoodturning.school 🛢️ My Finishes: yandles.co.uk/shop/?manufacturer=martin-saban-smith-woodturning 📘 Design and proportion in woodturning — I wrote the book: msabansmith.com/shop 📍 Based at Garthowen Garden Centre, Four Marks, Hampshire — next to the South Downs National Park. 🌐 msabansmith.com Facebook — Me: facebook.com/msabansmith Facebook — Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool Instagram — Me: instagram.com/msabansmith Instagram — School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015–2026. All rights reserved.
When should you use sanding sealer, and when should you skip it?
The rule is straightforward. If you are applying a hard finish over the top, such as a wax, lacquer, or polyurethane, use sanding sealer to seal the wood first. If you are using an oil, do not. Oils are designed to penetrate the wood. Apply a sealer underneath and the oil cannot get in properly. The result is a sticky, underperforming finish that is nobody's friend.
Stuart McGovern asked this one on Facebook. Part of the Ask Martin series, where I answer your woodturning questions in 60 seconds or less.
Leave your question in the comments and I pick one or two each week.
#AskMartin #woodturning #woodfinishing #sandingsealer
🎓 Want to learn in person? I run woodturning courses at my school in Hampshire for all levels — from complete beginners through to more advanced techniques. Details at www.thewoodturning.school 🛢️ My Finishes: yandles.co.uk/shop/?manufacturer=martin-saban-smith-woodturning 📘 Design and proportion in woodturning — I wrote the book: msabansmith.com/shop 📍 Based at Garthowen Garden Centre, Four Marks, Hampshire — next to the South Downs National Park. 🌐 msabansmith.com Facebook — Me: facebook.com/msabansmith Facebook — Woodturning School: facebook.com/thewoodturningschool Instagram — Me: instagram.com/msabansmith Instagram — School: instagram.com/thewoodturningschool The visual video content (including my voice), any text and any graphics in the video are Copyright © Woodturning Online Ltd 2015–2026. All rights reserved.
