Posts: 12,617
Threads: 0
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Wapakoneta, OH
Good thing you don't want to stain it, I'm pretty sure it's against federal law. Actually, I think the ARS by itself will do what you want. My old practice with cherry was to apply a little BLO to pop the grain, and then varnish. But to my eyes, the oil based varnish does the grain popping for you. You might try a small spot on the back or a piece of scrap to see what you think. Another one I've tried and like is to first give a coat of garnet shellac, then top coat that. But truthfully, I really like just using the oil based varnishes.
I started with absolutely nothing. Now, thanks to years of hard work, careful planning, and perseverance, I find I still have most of it left.
Posts: 6,678
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Southern California
I found that a spit coat of garnet shellac sanded back before the oil will pop grain and prevent blotching.
Thanks, Curt
-----------------
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
-- Soren Kierkegaard
Posts: 22,029
Threads: 0
Joined: Oct 2003
I also use a thin coat of shellac on cherry before the topcoats.
I like General Finishes Arm-R-Seal satin.
Gary
Please don’t quote the trolls.
Liberty, Freedom and Individual Responsibility
Say what you'll do and do what you say.
Posts: 139
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2011
Location: Bel Air, MD
My personal favorite on curly cherry is Waterlox, I've always wiped on the sealer/finish grade, 10 to 12 coats. Looks like glass and the curly pops like crazy. I will probably spray it the next time I use it, a friend of mine had great success when he sprayed it.
Paul
Posts: 6,678
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Southern California
To the OP - what did you wind up doing?
Thanks, Curt
-----------------
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards."
-- Soren Kierkegaard
