Replies

1. 
   Ronaway | May 26, 2007 04:33am | #1

   Even though the wood may have well been stained, I suspect that the color has more to do with the age of the shellac. It was probably a less refined shellac to begin with which means it probably had a darker color at the time it was applied and it then had 100 years to absorb everything the enviroment has thrown it's way. I think you will find that it is the shellac that has darkened.

   Ron Brese

   If you're too open minded your brains will fall out.
1. 
   tommac | May 26, 2007 05:08am | #4

   Thanks very much Ron.   Do you know if you can purchase shellacs with a darker color...or add color to shellac?

   Bruce

1. 
   myoung | May 26, 2007 06:59pm | #6

   You can purchase different grades of shellac flakes: some with virtually no color to others with a nice brown tone. You can also tint shellac with alcohol based dyes.

   Malcolm

   http://www.shellacshack.com

2. 
   Ronaway | May 27, 2007 01:27am | #7

   I once needed a darker color on a contract finishing job on some court house seats. I used dark garnet shellac and added dark walnut transtint dye. I don't remember the exact amount of transtint that I added so that part might require some experimentation. Jeff Jewitt at Homestead helped me with this finishing system so you might want to consult with Jeff.Ron BreseIf you're too open minded your brains will fall out.

2. 
   frenchy | May 26, 2007 04:49am | #2

   tommac,

    I suspect  the earlier poster is correct, however please be aware that some wood does darken with age natuarly.  The shellac on my 70 year old piano was slightly darker but once I stripped it all off, a fresh coat of clear shellac resumed the similar coloring to it's original condition..

1. 
   tommac | May 26, 2007 05:12am | #5

   Thank you.  Another question...what did you use to strip the old shellac...just denatured alchohol?

3. 
   SteveSchoene | May 26, 2007 05:07am | #3

   I'd start by a careful cleaning of existing trim using paint thinner to remove oily dirt and a mild soap and water to deal with water soluable dirt.  That gives you a better starting point. 

   If that is the finish you want to match, then it's a matter of finding a combination of a bit of stain to the wood--to account for the natural darkening of the wood, followed by what ever shellac or mix of shellacs that give you the right color and darkness.  It doesn't matter too much whether you achieve the match in exactly the same way as the original trim, since the wood in it will likely have darkened compared to new wood used for repairs.   Matching existing finishes takes lots of experimentation, but isn't insurmountable. 

    

4. 
   Joe Sullivan | May 27, 2007 05:50am | #8

   Shellac itself does not darken much if at all over time, however, the underlying wood will slowly oxidize and react with light to form a characteristic patina which is what many "antique" finishes try to look like. Also, as Steve pointed out, your finish may have a coat of grime over it -- most old finishes do.

   Joe

1. 
   tommac | May 27, 2007 02:48pm | #9

   That's very helpful.  Thanks to all for the great responses.

   Bruce