Replies

1. 
   sschefer | Aug 01, 2002 06:54am | #1

   Shelac is a natural sealer. Not unlike many of the sanding sealers that are available. Yes you can put it under most finishes but don't take my word for it, check out Jeff Jewits website http://homesteadfinishing.com
1. 
   dwsouthwick | Aug 01, 2002 07:09am | #2

   Thanks for the tip.  I will check out the website.

   ds

2. 
   forestgirl | Aug 02, 2002 06:16am | #3

   Hi ds, welcome to Knots!  Mr. Jewitt has also written some excellent books on finishing.  I recently bought "Great Wood Finishes" and it's better than all the other finishing books I own, combined (and they are many). 

   If you're making, as you say, simple projects and they don't require an extremely durable finish (such as a kitchen table would), you might want to investigate wiping varnish also (oil-varnish mixture).  You can buy them off the shelf, or make your own, which I enjoy doing.  Do a little research on-line, and you'll find lots of info.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   dwsouthwick | Aug 02, 2002 07:30am | #4

   Thanks for the tip on the book.  I will track down a copy of it and read it.

   ds

3. 
   Andrew | Aug 04, 2002 08:04am | #5

   Ds, an oil finish is a great way to get started. not only do they look great, they are very easy to apply, and nothing is worse than working hard on a project only to have the finish come out less than perfect. with an oil finish you won't run into those kinds of problems. hope this helps

4. 
   srobinson | Aug 04, 2002 09:59am | #6

   ds, Taunton publishing put out a paperback called Fine finishes, it has good details on several different finishes including using shellac.  I can't remember where I bought it, but it has been real handy at times.

   Steve