I am a electrician by trade and I make cabinets as a separate business. I picked up a whole house recently.
Tongue and groove blue pine or cedar on all of the walls and ceilings.
I would have tried to pre-finish the wood for the walls and ceilings but there wasn't the space to lay it out.
I have already made the cabinet boxes.
The face frames and doors are red oak and they want them dark.( almost black )
I made a few sample boards with transtint dark walnut mixed with water as the base color and used Java gel stain over it because of the grain not taking color well.
On other test board I tried Charles Neil prestain conditioner and just used the water based transtint dye.
Both turned out good.The non conditioned oak with dye and then gel stain turned with the least amount of messing around.
What should I use as a clear? I'm thinking pre cat lacquer for everything. I want a repairable surface.
Sealer? Shellac?
The local Sherwin Williams only has nitro laquer ( I keep some around )
and pre cat ( which I have never used ).
I am going to spray it on with a Fuji turbine unit on site.
I also need a recommendation on what to spray on western red cedar ( interior ). Some of it is in sun catching windows. I don't think they want it turning grey.
The local ACE told the home owner to use Thompsons water seal. All of the wood is interior.
I'm thinking on renting a airless for spraying the walls.
Thanks for your help.