SealCoat alternatives—cost is going through the roof.

[Packard]

I use Zinsser’s Seal Coat as a clear primer/sealer under other clear finishes.

Key for me are:

1. It is water-clear
2. It does not raise the grain
3. Non-toxic when dry
4. Provides excellent adhesion to the substrate and to the subsequent clear finishes (oil based or water based

Key objection:

The current price of 1 gallon is $80.00 (Amazon); $70.00 (Ace Hardware); $98.00 (Walmart).

I have an older can with a price label of $29.00.

Any alternatives??

I will use a non-toxic, water based acrylic over pine. If I don’t use a sealer, the water-based acrylic will raise the grain and add hugely to my labor.

I may very well end up buying a gallon of Seal Coat—one gallon lasts a long time. The best deal is from Ace Hardware (about a 15 minute drive).

The clear finish is for toys. The acrylic and Seal Coat were chosen because they are non-toxic and I am familiar with the application methods.

 

[Steve1]

Yeah, I put a few coats of shellac over just about anything I finish.
I mix my own from flakes. I don't think it's any cheaper.
Price of the shellac has been going up rather drastically for a couple of years now.

 

[Michael Kellough]

“gallon of Seal Coat—one gallon lasts a long time”

As long as the steel can doesn’t leak. I hang gallon cans from the basement rafters because it’s not as cold up there.

Last year I saw something new on the basement floor, an amber blob. It was sticky so it couldn’t have rolled there. I looked up and saw a thin amber string hanging from the bottom of a can of Seal Coat. A pin hole, that wasn’t the result of damage. Inherent vise.