How many grams of shellac would you buy for this project?
BenKlesc
| Posted in General Discussion on
Hello fww. I am in the middle of a large restoration project of this antique office desk I am french polishing.
I want to french polish the top, sides, and underneath and inside six drawers. It’s dimensions are 5ft. length, 3ft. width, 3ft. height.
I want to mix my own shellac in a 2 lb cut. 2 lbs shellac for 1 gallon of alcohol. I want also want to build up layers, I want at least 10 layers for a mirror finish.
Shellac flakes are sold online in 250-500 grams. I have never purchased shellac before. Based on my description, how many grams would you buy for a project like this. It’s a very large walnut office desk.
I very much appreciate it! I have attached a photo of the desk.
Replies
Hi Ben,
If you are asking how many grams of shellac=2 lbs, that is 900 gram or nearly one kilogram(kg). If you are asking how much to make for this project, then I am of no use (never have french polished before). However, there will be folks with an answer. But I do have one question (and you may have considered it and have a reason for... But why go to that much work for the insides of the drawers and underneath (floor facing?) parts. Those will be never seen or covered with stuff, maybe a simpler finish such as a few layers of wiped on/brushed on shellac or just wax. If by underneath the sides that would face your legs, then that would make sense to finish the same as everything else... Anyway I hope this helps...
“[Deleted]”
Yes indeed. I am wondering how much shellac flakes would be appropriate to buy for a project of this size. The point I was trying to get across, I want to french polish the entire desk and not just the topside. Underside I’m referring to would be when you are sitting at the desk and looking underneath. I would probably need to buy a good amount. Here is a better visual representation I have attached.
My simple way of looking at this is...
Measure and add up the total surface area you want to cover. Determine total square footage of task. Multiply that number by total number of coats you want to apply. A gallon of shellac should cover 200 to 300 square ft. Probably lower coverage on the bare wood and higher coverage as you approach completion. Keep track of your usage as you progress so you will know if you need to buy additional flakes.
This is an estimate not an exact number
“[Deleted]”
Great! I calculated 50 sq ft. So if I wanted 10 coats that would be 500 sq. ft. Sounds like I would need 2 gallons. Which would be perfect, for a 2 pound cut.
I plan to use garnet shellac for the first four three coats, and then lemon shellac for the rest. I’ll use 2 pounds of lemon with 1 gallon of alcohol, and 1 pound of garnet with half a gallon of alcohol. That should cover it completely.
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