How to Apply Shellac: 8 Steps (with Pictures) is a video by Bob Vila.
By Bob Vila.
Shellac is a versatile, non-toxic wood finish that enhances the natural grain while adding smoothness without the plastic-like qualities of polyurethane or lacquer.In clear or amber, shellac can be tinted to bring out a range of colors from golden oak to dark mahogany.It is readily available at home centers.
Shellac is not ideal for every piece.The finish is highly sensitive to water and can fade in the sun.If necessary, this less-than-durable finish can be repaired, but it is usually best to shellac decorative wood items that won't see a lot of wear-and-tear, instead of high-use furniture like a dining room table.
Are you thinking about enhancing the natural beauty of your woodworking project?Keep reading for step-by-step instructions.A project that can be completed in one afternoon requires several thin layers, with a bit of sanding and buffing in between.
Shellac is mixed with alcohol to determine the thickness of each coat.A two-pound cut is a ratio of two pounds of shellac per gallon of alcohol.A higher alcohol ratio creates a thinner mixture.A thicker blend can mean fewer coats but can be sticky and difficult to work with.
Shellac can be made from scratch or pre-made.If you want to make the mixture yourself, you can use the two-pound cut ratio as a starting point.Depending on how the mixture is performing, you can decide on your own cut preference.
The quart or gallon of pre-made shellac will usually have a high ratio of three- or four-pound cuts, which will result in thick coats.Adding denatured alcohol thins out pre-made shellac.Purchase as much as you need for the job, as shellac has a short shelf life.
It is wise to test the consistency of your work before you start.Using a dry cotton cloth, apply shellac to a piece of wood.Adding a drop or two of mineral oil to the shellac is a good way to smooth it out.Mineral oil will not affect the finish.
To remove dust from your piece, sand it and wipe it with a dry cloth.Shellac can be applied with either a cotton cloth rag or a brush.A good rule of thumb is to use a cloth to cover a large surface area and choose a brush for the job to finish tight edges and corners.
Use broad, even strokes and a generous amount of shellac to coat the wood after dipping your rag into the mixture.It would have to be sanded down later if you tried to avoid pooling.Do your best to minimize brush strokes by grabbing your brush.It's best to wait at least 30 minutes before moving on.
Sand any raised wood grain with 400-grit sandpaper.To buff between layers, use a piece of steel wool.
White dust accumulates from buffing.If you see spots where light doesn't reflect, that's a sign that the wood surface is not properly covered, and you should target those areas on your next coat.