Shopsmith Forums

The other thread about Finishing leads me to thinking about different finishes. I was probably a late comer into woodworking and finishing getting started only 30 years ago. By that time, polyurethane was available so I used it with great results. I found that older furniture with other types of finishes needed to be stripped and refinished. Refinishing with urethane solved the problem of future refinishes because it is so much more durable than the early laquer and shellac finishes I found on old furniture.
Today I see that some people still use shellac, and I have to ask, "for what purpose?"
I searched the internet for an answer to my question and came up with this article.
http://www.woodshopnews.com/columns-blo ... -just-hype
He pretty much asks the same question.

It seems to me that in today's woodworking world, polyurethane has eliminated the need for any other finish on projects.

So, I ask my question here too. "Why use shellac?" "Why would bug waste help the finish on my projects?"

I can see it for period reproductions and refinishing, but I don't plan to use it.

Its been a long day, but a good topic about Shellac I will touch on a few reasons and do more in a day or 2. Pure Shellac not some store bought that has wax in it has many +s. Seals oil based stains so a oil based poly does not reactivate them to "cloud the finish, comes in verious shades and all dry clear to see the real wood. Is not real durable for alot of use, but dries in about 30 minutes and after the first coat and a light sanding does not require more sanding between coats. You an add dyes it and finish is still "clear" to see the real wood. Thats it for tonight. dinner time.
Bob

I make quite a few small items. Many times either as the sole finish or as a final top-coat, I use Shellawax, a pen-turning finish. I consider it to be very beautiful and very easy to apply at a thin depth. It's probably not as durable as poly, but I think it comes across as more jewel-like rather than plastic-like. It's sort of a poor-man's French polish for me .

I'm a convert to shellac. Love it!

Other advantages of shellac.

The feel - Many of the polys, acrylics, and even lacquers can make wood feel like plastic. I use oil, shellac, or both for almost all of my shop made tool handles and totes.

Speed - If you're an impatient person that is not afraid of working quickly while applying, you can't beat shellac for drying and curing time.

Ability to Repair - Shellac is super simple to repair scratches and other damage.

As stated it does not have the durability of other modern finishes (I would not use it on a bar top or coffee table for example) but if the feel matters, speed matters, or the ability to easily repair the finish matters then shellac is a good choice.

Also as stated, many "sanding sealers" are in fact a light cut of dewaxed shellac these are also great for controlling blotchy staining on some woods.

I currently use Zinser's sanding sealer (2 lb cut of dewaxed shellac) when this can is done, I will start purchasing flake and mix my own.

terrydowning wrote:I'm a convert to shellac. Love it!

I will start purchasing flake and mix my own.

This is the supplier I use because they are less expensive for the same product.
http://www.shellacshack.com/?gclid=CLD7 ... KgodKEOs_w

Here's another one for comparison.
http://www.shellac.net/