Replies

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Jun 01, 2002 10:20pm | #1

   Shellac provides good resistance to water vapor (humidity), but offers almost no protection against standing water (e.g., a spill). Lacquer is a little better than shellac but will also turn milky white if water gets trapped in the finish.

   The best overall protection comes from varnish. Varnish, if applied in multiple coats, offers excellent protection against water and water vapor. Polyurethane is a type of varnish - with added durability.

   Paul

   F'burg, VA

1. 
   erich | Jun 02, 2002 10:03pm | #2

   Paul,

   Thanks for the tip re my humidity problem. I'm inclined to stick with either the shellac or the lacquer as I don't think standing water will be a problem and it's mostly vapor I'm concerned with. The article I'm going off of says to put a thin layer of lacquer on the inside of the box to relieve the box moisture stress, and then to finish the outside as normal. Do you think I could put lacquer on the inside and the shellac-based padding finish on the outside? Thanks again!

   Erich

1. 
   Paul_Snyder | Jun 02, 2002 10:50pm | #3

   I'd apply a coat of Zinnser's "Seal Coat" to the interior of the box prior to the lacquer. Shellac is the best vapor barrier and will keep the interior of the box from absorbing more moisture than the exterior resulting in warped or cracked wood. "Seal Coat" is a thinned, dewaxed shellac.

   Applying a padded finish to the exterior should result in a beautiful finish. These days, the look of a padded finish is often duplicated using shellac or lacquer (or other, less common, film finishes) and rubbing/polishing compounds. Both finishes form a hard film that polishes to high gloss.

   If you're interested, there's an informative article on french polishing at http://www.milburnguitars.com/frenchpolish.html . The article is targeted to stringed instrument makers but has some good info on technique that will work with any wood item.

   Good luck with your project.Paul

   F'burg, VA