11+ Sealing Wood Before Painting US. … the paint will not be absorbed into the wood pores when sealer is applied so the topcoat will sit better on the surface. Some artists paint directly onto the sealant so the wood grain shows through.
I do not recommend sealing decorative painted wood signs that you display indoors.
Shop notes, ship modeling tips, techniques and research. First as a sanding sealer and then again after sanding before painting. Trisodium phosphate (potent cleaner) is used to clean the wood. How to stain and seal wood: