Replies

1. 
   BG | Jul 24, 2003 05:44am | #1

   Kevin,

   The most important thing, I'm just leaning this, is to follow one and only one protocol...or process.  From the options you've listed I'd pick #3 (using soapy water and 400 grit)...and rub out each and every coat after that to reach the desired finish....could be many many coats. Also, you may want to step away from the garnet after the first coat and go to blonde or clear...it's up to you

2. 
   Paul_Snyder | Jul 24, 2003 06:17am | #2

   I'd just use some 320 to smooth the surface before starting in with the shellac. You should always do a sample first to work out the steps in advance in case there's any problems. Personally, I would have skipped the BLO, but try a sample with and one without to see what you think.

   Paul

1. 
   KevinLBS | Jul 24, 2003 04:59pm | #3

   Thanks- I did 4 seperate test pieces, and the one that everyone liked the most (me included) was 1 coat of BLO with several coats of wiped on garnet shellac. The BLO really gave the walnut a richer, deeper brown color than the piece with just garnet shellac. Straight garnet left the walnut still looking ever so slightly greenish-grey, or maybe I should say washed-out. Not that I'm an expert on walnut but I suspect it's the nature of kiln-dried and also VC ply walnut.

   I've thought about the blond shellac, and I do have some flakes ready, so if it's getting too dark and I'm not happy with film thickness yet, I'll top it off with some blond shellac.

   Thanks for the feedback from both of you, I just wasn't sure if I should let the shellac capture the nibs of raised grain before sanding. I'll smooth it out tonight, and I hope I can get started on the shellac Saturday morning.