Replies

1. 
   Rob_Sp | Sep 21, 2022 06:45pm | #1

   These work very well for shellac. Expensive but worth it.
   https://toolsforworkingwood.com/store/item/GT-SHEBRU.XX

1. 
   joeleonetti | Sep 25, 2022 05:41pm | #8

   I have these TFWW brushes. They are nice. I think oval mop brushes that Don Williams of Don's Barn has talked about in his postings are far better. That's what I switched to. The curved edge on them helps to feather the shellac so you tend to see much less shellac tracks in the finish. I got my oval mop brushes (3/4" and 1" sizes) and Michael's (big chain hobby store). As Don Williams had said, if it feels fine and soft bristles it's likely a good brush. I probably paid between $10 and $20 for each of the oval mop brushes and have been very happy with them.

   
1. 
   john_c2 | Sep 25, 2022 06:43pm | #9

   I was flabbergasted when Don Williams said he finishes case pieces with a brush that size. I couldn't even imagine.

1. 
   joeleonetti | Sep 26, 2022 11:46am | #12

   So was I until I finished a few larger boards with them and was happy with the results. All I have is a 3/4" and 1" brush and really don't think I will need to get a 2" brush.

2. 
   jdstreet | Sep 21, 2022 06:46pm | #2

   I was trained at the National Institute for Wood Finishing. We were taught to use a Takalon brush for shellac. They have worked well for me for many years. Your local art store is a good source

3. 
   user-7627473 | Sep 21, 2022 08:23pm | #3

   Golden Taklon brushes work extraordinarily well with Shellac...I wouldnt use anything but these. No comparison.

4. 
   pantalones868 | Sep 22, 2022 03:12am | #4

   So if I catch a golden taklon in my have a heart trap?....taklon was designed as an alternative to sable and although probably sanctioned at the moment sable is a really great brush for shellac.

1. 
   user-7627473 | Sep 22, 2022 09:46am | #6

   I have a dozen or so Sable brushes used for artwork. They are made typically in standard brush shapes and sizes for artwork i.e. painting...not applying e.g. shellac. I think you would be hard pressed to find a Sable brush suitable for applying shellac unless you were finishing small wooden figures or miniature boxes. The sizes/shapes of the G Taklon brushes at link are suitable for shellac application on furniture. https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Golden-Taklon-Brushs-Assorted/dp/B0018MD600/ref=asc_df_B0018MD600/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=194876912818&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12457060100350201813&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9004873&hvtargid=pla-313125278536&psc=1

5. 
   Deleted | Sep 22, 2022 09:45am | #5

   “[Deleted]”

6. 
   pantalones868 | Sep 22, 2022 05:44pm | #7

   Don't know, found a # 50 kolinsky ,that's about 1 1/4" at the bargain price of only $2500! But it turns out Kolinsky brushes are banned for export into the US.

7. 
   gulfstar | Sep 25, 2022 09:43pm | #10

   I apply shellac with a pad made of a cotton t-shirt core and a cheese cloth envelope, no brush mark and plenty of holding capacity.

8. 
   stevieray | Sep 26, 2022 05:11am | #11

   I apply shellac with the clean cotton rags you can buy at woodworking supply stores/sites. I did that after reading an article years ago by Mike Pekovich, who said to cut Zinsser Seal Coat 50% with alcohol and apply with a rag, then store the rag in a jar for use later. Works great for me.

9. 
   dberk | Sep 26, 2022 03:37pm | #13

   Same here - wad up some cotton cloth/cotton balls, stick them inside a cotton rag and tie it up into a ball. Works fantastic. As long as their are no wrinkles in the ball I never have a "brush" mark.

   And virtually zero cost and zero cleanup - just throw it away when done.

10. 
    revbob | Sep 28, 2022 11:40am | #14

    Wadding or brushes? Dealing with inside corners becomes an issue and the challenge is getting it "JUSTRITE". My low-level experience suggests that sometimes it's a combination of the two along with making a lot of mistakes. Once again, as we all seem to know "There's no magic in products without perfecting the techniques required to use them". Our predecessors did a lot of very fine work with some very rudimentary tools. Most of them apprenticed for years to get to an acceptable level of perfection but the tools hardly ever changed. Good luck.