A friend gave us a bed, prob. form the 40’s or so, It was damaged, and I repaired it, new moldings here and there, glued back on the thick veneer, etc. It lived in a garage for a while. It is no beauty as is. Anyway, — the question. She is going to be painting it, and filling the headboard field with fabric. Looks to me like older shellac is the finish, and I will test it with a bit of Absolut (LOL). Asuming that it is older shellac, I am thinking of sanding lightly, and then putting a light coad of dewaxed shellac on top, to hold the paint. My fear is that the older shlellac is waxed (or at least not dewaxed), and that paint adhesion might be a problem. I don’t know hwat type of paint she plans on; probably something we have around. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Alan
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If the surface is smooth enough as it is I would think just giving it a good cleaning and maybe a scuff with sandpaper will be enough. I don't think there is any adhesion problems with paint and therefore no need for another coat of anything.
Alan - I like to use a pigmented shellac, like Zinsser BIN before painting. The shellac component gives it a good bond to the surface and seals any potential problems and the pigment provides a uniform white base for the paint. It sands smooth and level really well so the paint job looks good.
Paul
I mix my own shellac. I have a number of shellac suitable syes, but all are in the wood tones. What would I use for a white dye? Thanks.
mix my own shellac. I have a number of shellac suitable syes, but all are in the wood tones. What would I use for a white dye? Thanks
It would be easier to just buy some KILZ probably--it is white pigmented shellac.Gretchen
Thanks. Actually, we may have some in the basement. I did not realize this was a shellac product. So much to learn, so little time; Coffee!
Make sure it isn't too old--that it will dry. Try a sample board. No point in putting a sticky mess on top of this!!Gretchen
Thanks; I will test drive it.
The white pigment isn't a requirement - it just helps give you a white base for the paint (and the pre-mixed primer sands so easy it's not a chore at all). If you wanted to, you could add a little white pigment to the shellac you mix, but it doesn't seem worth the effort & expense.
Check the "Kilz" you have on hand to make sure it's shellac based - some primers are water-base, some oil-base, some shellac. Shellac is the best barrier coat (besides vinyl sealer).
Paul
Dewaxed shellac is only important if you are going to use either an oil based or waterborne POLY varnish. If you are painting, then any shellac is fine. Your plan is just fine.
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