Hi, Peter. You may recall I wrote you earlier this year in a message entitled “Shellac is Impossible.” With much appreciation for your advice, I’d like to give you some feedback and ask you one more question. Here’s the feedback.
I contacted the padding material supplier you mentioned via their website but had no success in finding what I needed in a small quantity. So I used the best materials I had (a really thin cotton t-shirt wrapped drum tight around a wad of cheese cloth from Woodworker’s Supply) and tried to pad shellac (Zinsser’s Sealcoat) following your instructions as closely as possible. The result was a slight improvement, but I wasn’t happy. I then turned to brushing the shellac with natural bristle chip brushes. Again, there was a slight improvement; but I still wasn’t happy.
I truly appreciate the help you tried to provide me, but I’m at the point now where I think I just may be shellac challenged. But maybe there’s one other possibility.
I neglected to tell you, earlier this year, that I work in the stylistic tradition of Early American Poverty. Yep, I’ve been using pine for years – mostly the white stuff, knots and all. It all started because pine studs were readily available at Hechinger’s and at a reasonable price. Over the years, however, I’ve come to appreciate the character of this lowly wood; and I actually enjoy the challenge of turning it into something more elegant. But I digress.
Occasionally, I do work with red oak. I’ve found that all I have to do is sand and clear stain it, then apply a coat of Minwax finishing wax. The finish is truly beautiful. When I apply the same procedure to pine, the result is disgusting. My question, then: Could my poor shellac results be caused by my use of pine?
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Thanks for you time in reading all of this —–Ken
Replies
Ken,
Your choice of wood has no bearing on the equation.
Without seeing your results it's hard for me to make a judgement. If you could be more specific in your description of problems, we may be able to come up with a solution.
If the pad is too wet, you will have pronounced ridges or lines of shellac. This will also happen if you use only a straight line for application. The term used to describe this is "roping"
If your pad gets too dry and has any wrinkles in the face you can leave a mar on the surface. This is called a "burn" and is a dull area.
I just heard from a student the other night that the company I suggested is not selling small quantities. I was not aware of that. You may find Woodworkers Supply to be helpful with that. I believe they sell cheesecloth and a cover material known as trace cloth that is much finer than any tee shirt. You might also check with Homestead Finishing Products for these materials.
Peter
Darn, Peter, I was hoping the wood was my problem. Thanks for clearing that up. Yes, I think I’m still getting the roping effect, but I wish I could be more specific. Being self-taught, I guess I’m like a child trying to explain a difficult mathematical concept.
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Maybe this will help: I understand that products like M&M candies are coated with shellac. They look so pretty and shiny ;). I want my pine to look like that. For now, I’ll try to hunt down the trace cloth using the references you provided. This mysterious fabric seems to be a key.
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Incidentally, you mentioned it would help if you were able to see my results. Since I’m using test boards, would it be worthwhile to mail you some as I progress?
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Take care – Ken
If you are getting a ropey surface after padding the shellac, sand it with 320 paper to flatten it out. After sanding you can repeat the application of the shellac. Use a light touch when you start on a sanded surface.
The cloth cover is not a mystery fabric. Old handkerchiefs would be the best way to describe it. A thin lint free cloth. A tee shirt is way too thick as an outer cover just to give you an idea.
How about a bandanna? They are usually colored but a few washings with bleach should take care of that. They are thin and would probably do the trick nicely.
Peter
Thanks for the sanding tip, Peter. I think I've only gone up to 220 grit so far. And the handkerchief idea was lurking in back of my mind. I've definitely got some of those. I'll let you know how that goes. ---Ken
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