Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 27, 2003 06:48pm | #1

   I would do the inside first. Brush on two coats of 2# shellac being careful to avoid the outside. However, if you get any on the outside, just sand it off before you put on the outside finish. Any of the oil finish you get on the inside can be wiped off with mineral spirits as long as you dry the mineral spirits completely. Mineral spirits will not damage or affect shellac.

   One way to check to see if you have any shellac on the outside is to wipe down the outside with a rag soaked with mineral spirits. It will show up any missed glue blobs, shellac drops or smears and will preview the color the wood will take with your oil finish. The MS will completely evaporate and not affect your finishing schedule.

   
   

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   Edited 6/27/2003 12:38:46 PM ET by Howie

2. 
   Elcoholic | Jun 27, 2003 10:18pm | #2

   Do the inside first.

   They have this new stuff called "masking tape".  You should give it a try.   I hear it works real well for stuff like this.  :)

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   Westchester | Jul 11, 2003 03:30am | #3

   Hey Elcoholic,

   A fellow woodworker/finisher needs help - lets help him with advice that isn't trying to show his inexperience.

   Regards,

   SA

1. 
   Elcoholic | Jul 11, 2003 06:11pm | #6

   I was just funnin' with him.  That's what this " :) " means.John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

1. 
   Westchester | Jul 11, 2003 10:21pm | #7

   Hey Elcoholic,

   Sorry I'm not up to date on the messaging, I'm  %(  but  :D

   Anyway the advice was good, TTUL -  KIT

   Regards,

   SA

3. 
   RMillard | Jul 11, 2003 04:41am | #4

   Greg.

   You could go ahead and finish the outside first, being careful of course with the colored oil, as the shellac will seal in the oil smell. I always try to finish pieces with the same schedule inside and out, to control cupping ( mahogany is so stable, that this is probably not a big concern). It has been my experience that oil causes few problems with warping due to unequal moisture penetration. The same can not be said for shellac, which if only one side is coated, it can cause unrestrained boards to cup. I also, apply a coat of plain distilled water to the insides when applying the dyes to the outside to keep things in equilibrium.

   By the way masking tape can give a false sense of security, since both shellac and oil will find their way under the tape unless it is well burnished, and well burnished masking tape can raise fibers from the wood when removed. I once had this happen, with near disastrous results, when the glass shop identified my doors with a nice big strip of high tack masking tape.

1. 
   GregW | Jul 11, 2003 03:21pm | #5

   Thanks for the ideas. I plan to shellac both in and out so I am not to worried about warping. The masking tape idea didn't work to well, the shellac is so thin it just migrated under the tape. Luckily I was able to sand off what came through. With the insides shellacked it was a lot easier to get the first coat of color on, I was able to just wipe off the over spray on the inside. So far its going well.

   Greg