Replies

1. 
   RMillard | May 23, 2008 05:07am | #1

   Rosewood's natural oils, won't allow any oil based topcoat to dry. I have used shellac and lacquer to finish rosewood.

   I'm not sure if you could use shellac as a sealer and then topcoat with some kind of oil based finish.

   Rob Millard

   http://www.americanfederalperiod.com

2. 
   Rich14 | May 23, 2008 12:43pm | #2

   As Rob has said, Rosewood contains natural waxes and oils that will reject just about any finish other than lacquer or shellac.

   Yes, you can use shellac as a sealer to overcoat with other finishes. De-waxed shellac must be used under poly, de-waxed or wax-containing shellac under standard oil-based varnish.

   But why do that? If you "seal" rosewood with shellac, you have the basis for a finish much more beautiful than poly - just continue the finishing process with shellac or with lacquer, if alcohol resistance is needed for the finished piece.

   Highly rubbed-out shellac or lacquer is the traditional finish for rosewood and is the reason rosewoods, particularly Brazilian or palisander are referred to as the most beautiful woods known.

   Rich

   
   

   ---

   Edited 5/23/2008 5:44 am ET by Rich14

1. 
   chocolatehills | May 29, 2008 09:20am | #3

   Thanks, I'll try that approach.