Replies

1. 
   GaryW | Mar 21, 2007 06:09pm | #1

   I like it best when finished with Watco oil.

   Gary W

   gwwoodworking.com

2. 
   peter28 | Mar 22, 2007 01:59am | #2

   John,

   You don't need a spray set up for shellac. You also said the key words; you liked it.

   Shellac can be brushed or padded on. I'm assuming you're talking about Seal Coat which is de-waxed shellac. This is a two pound cut. Thin this mixture a little and simply brush it on. How much you thin it is up for discussion. Try doing a few samples before you do the box. Try a 25 % reduction and see if you like the results. If not thin it a bit more.

   A good brush will make your life easier too. Check into Taklon brushes.

   When you begin a sample board, get the feel of shellacs characteristics. It will dry fairly quickly but not so quick you can't work with it. Avoid brushing it out like you would an oil varnish or paint. It doesn't take long to get the feel for it. That's the beauty of thew sample boards; make your mistakes there.

   A few coats should be all that's necessary on the box. Once the shellac is dry, wait about a week and then rub it down . If there are any nibs you would want to hit it lightly with a fine paper like 400. Follow this with a rubbing with 0000 steel wool and wax. Liberon makes the best steel wool BTW. You don't have to use wax if you don't want to. It just gives it that little extra "touch" to the surface.

   Be sure and do your samples first. You won't regret the time you put in.

   Peter

    

    

     

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | Mar 25, 2007 04:41am | #3

   Peter:

   You have mentioned the wax rub on shellac in very favorable terms a couple of times. Could you give a bit more detail?  Do you use the steel wool as the applicator and rub it in?

   J

1. 
   peter28 | Mar 27, 2007 04:45am | #4

   Hi Joe,

   One of my favorite surfaces is shellac followed by wax.

   If I want a high sheen, I'll just use a soft cloth to first apply the wax and once the solvent evaporates I'll buff it out.

   When I'm looking for a softer sheen, I'll use 0000 steel wool as an applicator. Be sure and watch your edges. Let the wax dry and buff.

   I have a number of tables with the shellac and wax treatment in my house. To be sure we don't treat them with kid gloves ( but don't abuse them either). When we have company I don't worry too much about coasters etc. and have not had any real problems.

   The thing I like most about it is the way they feel. It's a very tactile surface. Just be sure your shellac surface has had a bit of cure time before you wax.

   Peter

    

1. 
   Joe Sullivan | Mar 27, 2007 05:30am | #5

   Thanks. Peter.  I'll try it.

   Joe