CrystaLac, Clear Amber Toned Sanding Sealer (Clear Amber Toned, 8oz Mini)

This is my go-to sanding sealer under shellac, polyurethane, solvent based lacquer and even oil based finishes. Many people will seal with their topcoat or even apply a stain directly to bare wood. You can have success with those methods, but they aren't reliable. CrystaLac sanding sealer is easy to apply evenly, has a long working time, and doesn't tack-up as fast as some other water-based sealers I've tried. This makes it easy to apply even the first coat on fairly thirsty wood very evenly. I apply with a foam brush in small sections then chase with a rag to rub in any excess. The first coat raises the grain and also hardens the raised grain making it easier to remove than the water wipe-down method. Smooth the surface with a light sand (I use a 320 grit sponge or the equivalent scouring pad ) between coats. Subsequent coats can be applied very thin and buffed in with a rag...once they stop soaking into the wood and sitting on the surface, I'm done and ready for a subsequent coats of whatever finish I'm using. You'll find those subsequent coats are easier to spread evenly on the sealer. Sprayed finishes go on nice and even. You can also apply your stain over a coat or two of the sealer and it will go on much more evenly, especially on soft woods with differential grain porousness (pine, redwood, etc.) or light color. You can even tint your second or third coat with dye and get a very even stain that way.The only complaint you may have with this sealer is it's tendency to get a bit foamy during application. Not a big deal, wipe the foam away with a clean rag as you work. You can almost ignore the foam on the first coat because it mostly vanishes, but on subsequent coats, just wipe it off.It's expensive, but delivers a great looking result, and you use a lot less topcoat or color coats on a properly sealed surface. It also works well under a water-based, oil based or even epoxy grain filler.

I was concerned with the "amber tone" since I was working with dyed maple. As some may already know, amber tones can destroy a vivid blue color. Surprisingly, this stuff is perfect. Pops grain like oil based products yet still maintains an acceptable color for dyed woods. I like it a lot

Really enjoyed using this water borne product. Much safer and no odor easy clean up. So far the project is moving on nicely.

I had to completely start over twice because this sanding sealer would make the stain run and look spotty. I gave up and bought another water based sanding sealer and had no problems at all. I would not recommend it.

I use this for sealing solid body guitar bodies before painting. Actually has a really high build after a few coats and dries quickly. Highly recommended.

I like the Color this product gives to wood

Lid on plastic container welded in place-product ended up on floor with me trying to open it.

This product perform as well as manufacture claims. Does an outstanding job.

No sanding sealing recognized. No amber colour at all. Had to return it