I make small tables, usually with marquetry tops. I much prefer shellac as a finish–I like the choice of color, the ease of application, the ability to make a patch with shellac and sawdust and I just think it looks good!

However, I also like the durability and alcohol-resistant characteristics of polyurethane. I’ve been around a long time and I have heard and read many times that polyurethane won’t stick on shellac–even well scuffed. Recently I stumbled on a blog that claimed this is an old wives tale left over from the original introduction of poly and that this author has put top coats of poly on many a shellacked piece with excellent results.

I have tried a few tests on scraps and can find no problems, but still I don’t want to experiment on a marquetry piece that I’ve invested hours and hours of labor.

What’s the real “fine woodworking” skinny on this idea?

el viejo