Replies

1. 
   Shepherd1800 | Feb 02, 2003 07:16pm | #1

    

   You might try thinning your shellac even more than you did.  Put on additional thin coats rather than the thicker coats you are doing now.

    

   Stephen Shepherd

   http://www.ilovewood.com/alburnam23.htm#shellac1

    

2. 
   Byron | Feb 05, 2003 08:50pm | #2

   You can find some information on padding shellac at http://www.homesteadfinishing.com

   There you will find how to make a 1lb or 2lb cut of shellac.  Which if I remember correctly, is in to relation to a gallon of solvent (alcohol).  2lbs. of shellac plus a gallon of alcohol = 2lb cut.  I agree with the previous post, your mixture is too thick.  I usually mix 1lb with two quarts of Behlen bekol (spelling) and get good results.

   Usually when applying a finish like shellac the previous layer is redesolved a bit, but if the layer is too thick, this might not happen.  You may have to sand it down a bit with 4 aught steel wool or 400 grit sandpaper (with lubricant). 

   Good luck.

1. 
   philpolish | Feb 06, 2003 06:31pm | #4

   Thanks Byron

   I was using a premixed shellac from the store I know it isnt the best thing to use but what cut is that do you know?

   When I said I was getting the streaks I was putting the premixed in the pad then I was putting the same amount of alcohol in the pad. Would that still be to thick?

1. 
   Byron | Feb 06, 2003 07:23pm | #5

   Your best bet is to talk with Jeff Jewitt at Homestead Finishing.  I think the cut in the store bought brands (premixed) is around a 3lb cut.  That is if I remember what I read in Jeff's book.  "Great Wood Finishes".  You might want to purchase it.  It has a lot of info. on finishing and goes into some detail about padding shellac and mixing it yourself.  As for loading your pad (rubber or Padding cloth) with shellac and then same amount of alcohol, hmmmmmm.  I would have to say that you need to thin the mixture then load the pad.  If you do not want to thin the whole quart (pint) then pour some in a smaller container then thin it down.  Jeff always advises that one should pour some alcohol on the pad then load the pad with the 2lb. cut of shellac/alcohol mixture.  Did you give a look at the info at the website I mentioned before?

   By the way, Jeff's wesite has a forum and you can ask questions there and Jeff is usually good about adressing them.  Give that a try. 

   Edited 2/6/2003 11:25:36 AM ET by byron

1. 
   philpolish | Feb 06, 2003 07:40pm | #6

   Thanks again Byron

   Yes I have read that article before. I have a video by Jeff Jewitt on French Polishing that is were he put the alcohol and shellac on the pad.I have the new wood finishing book but it doesnt go into real detail, I think its a matter of just practicing but its nice to get a few pointers from you guys. I will pop over to Homestead but I dont find it as easy to use as this site I will have to have a good look around

   Thanks again.

1. 
   stancalow | Feb 07, 2003 05:03am | #7

   datapip

   The premixed shellac IS the best thing.  It's good stuff, it's just too thick to use as is.  Sometimes, I will dilute it, and then add some flakes of garnet or orange to give it some color. 

3. 
   Marcello | Feb 06, 2003 08:59am | #3

   datapip: There are streaks and there are STREAKS.  Keep the pad loaded at all times, don't start at the very edge...etc,etc.  You probably read about this.  Practice is what will make those streaks go away.  You have to work quickly with shellac since it dries quickly - don't over work it, that is when you get lots of streaks.  Once they are there, it is difficult to take them out with additional coats.  You have to rub them out or sand them out.  There is a learning curb in applying shellac, but once you get it, it is one of the most beautiful finishes, (my opinion anyways), you will come across.  Practice, practice.

   Marcello