Replies

1. 
   phrussel | Mar 26, 2002 06:16am | #1

   Andrew,

   If this is pre-mixed from a can it is not dewaxed shellac. Typical dewaxed shellac has a short shelf life so a manufacturer cannot guarentee its performance. However, Zinsser now has a product on the market called "SealCoat" which is a premixed 2# cut of dewaxed shellac. I'm not sure what tint it is; I think it's orange. It may be hard to find because it's new. The home centers near me don't stock it. The local "full service" hardware store ordered some for me and their distributor made a special trip to bring it to them. Great service - just ordered another gallon today. Find Zinsser's website and email them if you cannot find it.

2. 
   JimGG | Mar 26, 2002 09:02pm | #2

   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com is a source for many kinds of shellac. Also go to the Articles section to read about shellac.

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 26, 2002 11:19pm | #3

   If it is dewaxed, it will say so on the can.  If it doen't, it ain't.

   Zissner has just started marketing a dewaxed product.  It's called "SealCoat" I think and it is 100% dewaxed and says so.  It's not available everywhere yet.

1. 
   sschefer | Mar 26, 2002 11:21pm | #4

   I got a quart about a month a go at Ace Hardware. It was bad so I took it back. I cant remember the name but it clearly stated de-waxed.

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

4. 
   PlaneWood | Mar 27, 2002 04:50am | #5

   Buy the dewaxed shellac flakes and mix it yourself.  Much better, cheaper, and you know how old it is.  Plenty of places on the web to buy the flakes.   I mix about 1 cup flakes to 3 cups denatured alcohol for general sealing.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
   PlaneWood

1. 
   JohnYaya | Mar 27, 2002 07:45pm | #6

   Thanks for all the replies.  The only reason I am hesitant to buy the flakes and mix it myself is the shelf life issue.  The smallest anount I can find is 1lb, and for a sealer, I think I just need a 1lb cut.  I certainly don't need a gallon of shellac at this point. How long do the flakes last?

    I will keep looking for the Zinsser dewaxed product too.

   Thanks!

1. 
   BenM | Mar 27, 2002 08:14pm | #7

   If kept dry the flakes will last almost indefinitely.  You can mix small amounts using a jelly jar.  Draw two lines on the jar, one is "x" inches from the bottom, the second is "x" inches from the first line.  Pour in flakes to the first line and then alcohol to the second line.  That's pretty close to a 1 lb cut.

1. 
   PlaneWood | Mar 27, 2002 09:45pm | #8

   For sealing Rosewood, I have found that the 1 / 3 ratio is sufficient for my application.  With the flakes you can mix 1 oz, or 100 gallons.  (need lota flakes for the latter)

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

2. 
   JohnYaya | Mar 27, 2002 09:56pm | #9

   Ah, very good then!  I didn't know that the flakes could be kept indefinitely.  That's good to know.

   Thanks!

1. 
   DaveArbuckle | Mar 28, 2002 07:53pm | #10

   Keep them in a cool place. Various flake types have different heat tolerance, but all will clump up if too hot. They still work fine, but are a pain to break back apart.

   Dave

2. 
   JohnYaya | Mar 29, 2002 12:40am | #11

   Hrm...cool, eh?  I guess that means inside.  Cool is about to become a thing of the past here in Dallas.

   Now if I can just get my wife to let put a window unit in the garage...

3. 
   DaveArbuckle | Mar 29, 2002 12:52am | #12

   Three guesses how I found out...

   Dave in Plano :-)