OK, here’s a question that may be rather basic. I am applying an oil base stain to a floor. I will follow this up with 1-3 coats of shellac to add some more color and to prevent subsequent varnish/oil from lifting the stain. Is it necessary to scuff the shellac prior to application of the the varnish? I realize that doing so might give me a smoother finish but I want to know if it is necessary for proper adhesion. I always read that shellac adheres well to most anything and that other finishes adhere well to it.
My preliminary tests show that the varnish adheres well but I do not know how it will hold up over time.
Anyone have experience with this?
Replies
mlb,
The first shellac coat will raise some fuzz which you can lightly take down with a screen or abrasive pad on a buffer. You don't have to scuff the subsequent shellac coats for the varnish to adhere.
VL
I think the best varnish for floor applications is poly. Unless you use dewaxed shellac you may have adhesion problems. Non-poly varnish can be used over shellac but it may not wear as well.
I agree with the poly vs alkyd varnish on adhesion and toughness, however; we never wear shoes in the house. My old house had oil/varnish blend finish on floors and they held up very well. I will use either wiping varnish or oil blend. I am not much on a thick-film finish. I realize they can be tough but I don't think they look so hot and it can be difficult to spot repair.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled