Thread: Tips on applying japanese laquer

I used poly on a synthetic Aoto and it peeled off. Naturals are not soaked though so it might work, but generally any lacquer will do.

Originally Posted by mainaman

I used poly on a synthetic Aoto and it peeled off. Naturals are not soaked though so it might work, but generally any lacquer will do.

come to think of it; whatever SO Yama used to seal my stone also started flaking off.

Was your stone clean when you sealed it.

I hope you dont start an unnecessary fad of sealing synthetics?????

Originally Posted by kevint

I see no reason why not, I would use something that does not soak in

I'd have to agree with kevint......the polyurethane would probably be just fine, although I would personally stay away from anything thin like the thompsons water seal.

If I was looking for something at a home improvement store to seal a stone with, I would personally go with "Spar Varnish" because it's made to allow wood to withstand a saltwater environment.....

Sounds Good, I've done four Escher's with Poly, and they're doin great..and it's been some time...Now, as far as J-Nat's, I am not an authority on those. I digress to the Authorities.

Originally Posted by kevint

come to think of it; whatever SO Yama used to seal my stone also started flaking off.

Was your stone clean when you sealed it.

I hope you dont start an unnecessary fad of sealing synthetics?????

it was clean, I sealed it because it cracked. I also put it on a base.

Originally Posted by mainaman

it was clean, I sealed it because it cracked. I also put it on a base.

sorry to get off topic guys. this interests me.... it cracked? how'd it happen. I have oft considered getting one but not now. You put it on a base- glued down or the right way ? and was that before or after the crack?

Originally Posted by kevint

sorry to get off topic guys. this interests me.... it cracked? how'd it happen. I have oft considered getting one but not now. You put it on a base- glued down or the right way ? and was that before or after the crack?

I got one of the huge bricks
which cracked in the summer due to too high temperatures. Others have reported the same and the general opinion is that the inside of the stone is still wet while the outside is visibly dry which lead to the cracking.
I epoxied it to a 225 x 95 wood base that I had water proofed first.Dave also sells smaller version of this stone that I think will turn out better because it will be able to dry faster.

Originally Posted by JimR

It is, but there's nothing wrong with doing it. Some stones are more porous on the sides, or have damage, and lacquering can prevent deterioration from that. And I have stones that are stamped on the sides and I lacquered them to prevent the stamps getting worn off.

It certainly isn't necessary, though.

Seems the more porous stones are more prone to crack than others.
IIRC So says that Aoto tends to split along the grain, so some kind of lacquering would be prudent in this case.