Replies

1. 
   jcousins | Jan 31, 2003 01:31am | #1

   hi there - i've been using wax over shellac for many projects that don't require a hard, resistant surface. but i've never used alcohol to move the wax around. if you do, it probably needs to be done with very little - since alcohol is the medium for applying shellac & "melts" the coats together.

   once i'm done with the shellac coats i usually wait a minimum of 48 hours before applying the wax.

   jerry

2. 
   quinbychris | Jan 31, 2003 01:32am | #2

   The problem may have been the alcohol, not the wax, as alcohol will dissolve shellac.  I frequently apply wax over shellac with no difficulties.  Rubbing out the finish with 0000 steelwool will produce an even, rich finish. Good luck.

3. 
   HowardAcheson | Jan 31, 2003 01:46am | #3

   Why are you using the alcohol? Alcohol is solvent for most waxes and at best just softens it but many end up removing it. In addition, alcohol is solvent for the shellac. In other words, it dissolve the shellac.

   Just apply the wax following the directions on the can and buff. Don't use any other chemical.

1. 
   philpolish | Jan 31, 2003 01:50am | #4

   Hi

   The reason I used the alcohol is I read an articicle from somewere and I am fairly new to finishing.I understand that it is the solvent for shellac but at the time it seemed like a good idea to try it to thin the wax out but it ended up in a sticky mess at least I wont do it again.

1. 
   ClevelandEd | Jan 31, 2003 03:00am | #5

   I think mineral spirits will safely soften wax.  

2. 
   forestgirl | Jan 31, 2003 05:19am | #6

   C. Ed is right, if you need to soften the wax, use mineral spirits.  You don't want to get alcohol anywhere near shellac!

   Not sure why you wanted to add anything to the wax.  The only time you should need to is if it's an old can that wasn't tightly closed and dried out over time.  In that case, add a few drops of mineral spirits, mix, add some more if needed.  Important to remember that the more you dilute the wax, the more coats you'll need to apply.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

4. 
   Gretchen | Jan 31, 2003 03:16pm | #7

   To answer your question about the number of messages visible.  At the top left of each category section there is a message number.  Double click on that and more messages will become visible. Then if you want more in that category go all the way to the bottom of the category list--below Archives--and click on "next 50" and that will bring up more.  You continue to do this until you are finished.  It will be the same for each category.

   And as others have said, don't use alcohol near shellac unless you are stripping the piece.

   Gretchen
1. 
   philpolish | Jan 31, 2003 03:23pm | #8

   Thanks very much Gretchen very much appreciated.