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I’ve done a number of pieces using regular polyurethane as the top coat. I really like the amber tone which orange shellac gives to a finish on a Colonial period reproduction, but I seem to have limited success brushing shellac. (No spraying facilities available.) Must be something I’m missing? ( I THOUGHT I followed the info in Jewitt’s book fairly well!) Anyway, I’m wondering about the possibility of tinting some varnish, which I can handle OK, to give it an amber tone like the orange shellac. I’m thinking some type of Transtint product. Am I on the right track? Any suggestions on a specific color?
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Jim
You shouldn't be experiencing problems brushing shellac. A couple of things to remember: 1) it should be diluted (typically 3 or 4 parts alcohol to 1 part shellac), 2) when brushing, use a foam brush and liberally brush it on an area, then leave that area alone. Continuing to brush the shellac once it's on the piece causes problems (as I was taught when first learning - - "It's not like you're painting a masterpiece"), 3) if you get any brush marks after it dries, lightly sand with dry 400 wet/dry.
As to the tinting varnish you can use any dye or stain, as long as they're the same base (oil or water). If oil, you could try Minwax Ipswich pine.
Good Luck, Bob
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