How to apply a beautiful shellac finish
Rob Brown, editor of Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement magazine, shows how easy it is to create a beautiful shellac finish on wood. Join Rob as he talks about 4 of his favourite wood finishes. Member-only webinar - April 4, 2024.
I once saw a method where you boiled the shellac. I’m not sure what it was mixed with but I know it was eventually used as a french polish. What would that mixture be and how does the end result differ from your method of mixing with alcohol? Thanks, Peter.
I’ve never head of boiling shellac Peter, so can’t provide an answer. Perhaps one of our readers can give us some insight.
Many thanks for this great video! I was wondering if the mixing proportion of the flakes and thinner influences the tint of the finish?
It depends on the type of shellac you are using. Blond or Ultra-Blond flakes will introduce the least amount of colour change.
Good video – this was one of those topics that can not be done nearly as well in a written article. IMO
Very nice. I like the work you have done on that piece of wood.
I generally use a shellac coat to seal the piece I am working on and then apply a water based finish and please how that works out. I am however considering doing a shellac finish on something in the future and your demonstration has given me encouragement.
I am going to try it. How does it stand up to outdoors?
Shellac should be used on indoor projects only. While it is moisture resistant, it’s not waterproof or UV resistant.