Replies

1. 
   user-83153 | May 06, 2007 06:00am | #1

   autodave,

     A little more info on what you are doing and what specific questions you have would help produce a better answer. Without any details I can say that a washcoat is basically a thin coat of shellac (1#-1 1/2# cut) applied the way you usually apply it, brush, spray, etc.

     Alot depends on what you are doing. Are you trying to use it to control blotching? Are you using it as a seal coat in a glazing technique? The strength of the washcoat would be different for different situations.

                         Rob

1. 
   autodave | May 06, 2007 06:04pm | #2

   I was going to use it for a seal coat for glazing.I was finishing african mahog. and I read a technique that goes like this:washcoat w/shellac,burnt umber glaze,washcoat w/shellac,topcoat.

1. 
   user-83153 | May 06, 2007 06:39pm | #3

   Ok Dave,

     Go ahead and use a 1 to 1 1/2# cut of blond shellac (unless you want the shellac to add color) applied the way you normally would apply it. Sand very lightly, just enough to get any ridges out, you don't want to cut through the shellac. Apply your glaze, seal it with another coat of the same shellac and the top coat of your choice. Shellac may work fine as your top coat too.

                                      Rob

1. 
   autodave | May 06, 2007 06:57pm | #4

   Thanks Rob,this is the first time that I'm putting on a layered finish,all of my other projects(a half dozen or so)I just used Formby's Tung Oil finish.I was looking to add a little "depth" and darkness to the Mahog.I have done a couple of test panels w/stain,Varathane red mahog and traditional cherry,w/shellac topcoat,but were to red for my liking,it looked too altered.

1. 
   user-83153 | May 06, 2007 08:05pm | #5

   Dave,

     You might want to try garnet shellac to color and add depth without the multi step process. I just used garnet shellac and an alkyd resin varnish on some ribbon striped african mahogany and it looked great! If you do use the glaze make sure that you are wiping off the excess. May I reccomend Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishing". You can find it on Amazon or ebay for a reasonable price. I also have a spare copy that is brand new that I just got on Amazon. If you are interested email me through my profile.

                         Rob