Replies

1. 
   Woodnitbnice | Aug 18, 2003 07:05am | #1

   Blonde shellac deteriorates in flake form as well as in solution.  Only orange (or amber) shellac can last indefinitely in flake form.  I think you'll have to throw it out and buy new. 

1. 
   JayS | Aug 19, 2003 03:35am | #2

   Thanks a lot.  I have never read that anywhere.  I thought all flake shellac should last indefinitely as long as it's dry.  Have others had the same experience?

   Jay

1. 
   erich | Aug 19, 2003 05:23pm | #3

   Hi all,

        I hadn't heard that either.  I just purchased some ultra blond from Homestead and I don't think it was mentioned.  You might try asking over there too.  I'm interested to hear the conclusion (it seems since my son was born shellac sits un-used MUCH longer - LOL).  Erich

2. 
   Woodnitbnice | Aug 20, 2003 05:09pm | #6

   My source was Understanding Wood Finishing by Bob Flexner.  It's a really well organized, informative book. 

2. 
   Tao | Aug 19, 2003 10:23pm | #4

   Before you replace your shellac, try some fresh solvent.  Alcohol absorbs water from the air, and loses much of its solvent ability in doing so.

   Also, store your shellac flakes in an air tight jar, and in a cool, dark place.  Some of my less frequently used varieties of shellac have been in jars for years, and are still fine (last time I checked, at least.)

   Also, when I mix shellac, I chuck a plastic paint mixer in the drill press at its slowest speed, and let it mix the shellac while I'm doing something else in the same room, keeping an eye on it.  This gets it thoroughly dissolved in a couple of hours.  You have to make sure the container can't slide off the table, and you shouldn't leave it alone while it's mixing, but I've found it an expedient way to prepare a quart or two at a time.

   Michael R

3. 
   Westchester | Aug 20, 2003 02:00am | #5

   Hey Jay,

   Over the years I have had trouble with blond as well as orange flakes.  Problems such as dissolving, wrinkling, and drying.  I was never  sure exactly what the problems were - just mixed new finish and started again. 

   An alternative is Zinsser pre-mixed shellac.  It's dated on the bottom of the can.  Available at Home Depot.  I'm a finisher by trade, - I've never had a problem with this product.  Go figure!

   Regards,

   SA