Replies

1. 
   Ron_Brese | Aug 29, 2001 12:05am | #1

   *
   b From the Workshop of Ron Brese

   Robert, Speakers don't usually get subjected to the type of abuse that a table top or other similar piece of furniture would experience. For that reason you could feasibly use either one or both. What were the reasons given by your customers for wanting the shellac.

   Ron

1. 
   Tim_Kulin | Aug 29, 2001 09:32pm | #2

   *My only concern would be the lack of alcohol resistance of shellac. Some speakers make the perfect place for a guest to set a drink...

1. 
   Robert_Joseph_Smith | Aug 30, 2001 05:36am | #3

   *Thanks for your response Ron.They did not give a reason. My guess is they'd been talking to some other furniture maker who sang the virtues of shellac.My own opinion agrees with the other gentlemen here whose responses I also appreciate. Even on an off hand chance that someone puts a drink down on it - Why risk it?These puppies will be on the other side of the world, I would only get a fat bill for the repairs and a bad rep with my clients.If anyone has other reasons to consider shellac I am open to learn.Thank You all very much. Robert

1. 
   Ron_Brese | Aug 31, 2001 03:46am | #4

   *b From the Workshop of Ron BreseRobert, I asked that question because some people really like the color that some grades of shellac can impart to particular woods. That is my primary use of shellac especially on mahogany. It can also bridge the gap when you need to use materials that are not compatible with one another. Your customers may have been shown a piece finished with shellac and assumed any piece finished with shellac would have that look. We know that it takes the right combination of woods and shellac to achieve that particular look. Even though I use shellac to provide certain color tones on period pieces, I never use it as the final top coat. I have the same concerns about durability as you.

1. 
   Cowtown_Eric_ | Sep 06, 2001 08:52am | #5

   *Ain't alcohol the solvent for shellac? Laquer thinner for laquer. The two aren't really far removed from each other.methinks you could convince him quickly by spilling some bourbon on a board finished with shellac and on another finished with laquer. Ah but what a waste.... I wouldn't show him that first quality finish of varnish....you might not like the drying time.Cowtown Eric

2. 
   richard_rose | Sep 15, 2001 08:20pm | #6

   *Robert,There is just nothing quite as beautiful as a shellac finish. To those who get emotionally involved in the quality of a finish (and what finisher doesn't?) lacquer is not as good. I think that nothing brings out the beauty of wood as well as shellac. But there are many differences that account for this, and for many it's the color imparted to wood by the various types of Shellac.But -and this is a big factor - since you have no experience with shellac, and lots of experience with lacquer, your lacquer work is going to be far better than your shellac work for a while. I would stay with lacquer if I were you.I think that the final use of a piece is very important in making decisions about final finishing. Many people knock shellac because it is not impervious to alcohol. The chances of high-end speaker boxes being exposed to a spill of alcohol are probably as great as their being hit by a meteorite, unless their intended use is also as cocktail tables. A shellac finish will last as long as the inherent construction of the piece, and is the easiest finish to repair.Good luck,Rich