Replies

1. 
   john_c2 | May 04, 2019 11:54am | #1

   It might be ok. But most of my early projects eventually needed refinishing, because the shellac just doesn't hold up to any moisture, and even average daily use will show a lot of wear.

   A lot of folks will say that shellac just needs to be treated carefully. No one I know is that careful, apparently.

   Most everything I make these days gets 2 or 3 coats of dewaxed shellac, to get the color and depth I like. Then it gets one or 2 light coats of water based poly, usually the General Finishes brand. It doesn't change the look of the shellac, and protects much better, especially to anything damp.

   I never care to refinish one of my own pieces again.

2. 
   johnbarfielddesign | May 04, 2019 11:59am | #2

   Yes. It can be damaged by contact with alcohol, but in my experience, the damage is not immediate, especially if the finish gets a coat of paste wax. Slight damage can be abraded out and is easily repairable by padding on very thin shellac.

   johnbarfielddesign.com

3. 
   johnbarfielddesign | May 04, 2019 12:04pm | #3

   I should also add that as a furniture conservator, I and many of my colleagues used shellac as a final finish on many museum pieces. It is also the finish of choice of some contemporary makers, such as James Krenov

   johnbarfielddesign.com

4. 
   mikefm101 | May 04, 2019 02:58pm | #4

   Shellac would probably be fine assuming it is a piece of bedroom furniture. If it's was a kitchen table used for everything from meals to school art projects then maybe shellac isn't enough.

   I've used shellac as a final coat on shop cabinets that get far more use than a bedroom dresser and it's held up fine.

   For a cherry hutch that gets a lot of use in our kitchen I went with garnet shellac followed by water base poly.

   If you are brushing shellac three coats should Be enough. If wiping it on then maybe six coats as it's thinner. I usually brush and sand between coats with 320 or 400 grit.

   Mike

5. 
   Deleted | May 05, 2019 11:02am | #5

   “[Deleted]”

6. 
   david263 | May 05, 2019 11:18am | #6

   I've used shellac on pieces that I don't expect to get a lot of wear and tear... but anytime (and I have to admit, most of the time) I'm making a table or something that does get used heavily... I prefer General Finishes satin top coat Oil and Urethane. It gives me the look I want... and the daily toughness I need. It's not anything you would use when you are trying to maintain a museum piece... but I've always thought thats its what the early masters would have used if they could have :-)

7. 
   RobbyW | May 06, 2019 10:49am | #7

   Fresh, dewaxed shellac wears surprisingly well if properly applied. If you want more, VJ over at shellacfinishes.com has a catalyzed shellac you can use as the final few coats. It will withstand almost anything.

8. FWW Editor
   mpekovich | May 08, 2019 10:44am | #8

   I like shellac as a final finish on smaller projects. On surfaces where I need a little more protection like tabletops, I'll wipe on a couple coats of varnish on top of the shellac.