Does anyone know which Moser shellac flakes are dewaxed? I have some blonde and some orange, but the labels say nothing about wax. I had assumed that the blonde at least would be dewaxed, although I don’t know why I assumed that.
How might I find out?
gaf
Replies
The general rule is that if it does not specifically say "dewaxed", it's not. But, to find out for sure, contact the manufacturer. The color of the shellac has little to do with the wax content.
Why do you need dewaxed?
Howie:
Why do I want dewaxed?
I like shellac because it's quick drying and so often want to use it to seal wood, but then hesitate because I've read that other finishes, varnish or poly for example, may not adhere well to waxed shellac. I've also read about methods of layering different types of finish and glazes etc, using dewaxed shellac as a barrier coat between. I guess I'd like to keep my options open by having some dewaxed around, and I'm not sure I trust myself enough to decant waxy shellac after letting it settle, another strategy often cited.
gaf
Dewaxed shellac is indispensable for all the applications you mention.
Do you know about Seal Coat (Zinsser)? It is a premixed, dewaxed shellac available in a can from any paint store, and a growing number of home centers. Along with the uses you mention, I find this stuff works great as a sealer for a piece that you intend to finish with a water-based product -- since it does not raise the grain.
In flake form, I understand so-called Super Blonde is the only dewaxed variety.
About the only two applications where dewaxed is required is if used under polyurethane varnish (regular varnish is OK) or under waterbourne finishes. All other sealing and separating application can be accomplished with standard shellac.
However, if you want to just have one around, then dewaxed is sort of the universal shellac. For general purpose use, Zinsser's Sealcoat is a blond, 2# cut, dewaxed shellac. It has a three year shelf life also. Because it is blond, it does little or nothing to add color to the wood.Howie.........
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled