How-To
Sealing with Shellac
Use a seal coat of shellac before filling the grain.
Q:
I used waxy shellac by mistake to washcoat my mahogany tabletop. Can I still apply grain filler or do I need a coat of dewaxed shellac first?
Rick Wells, Marysville, MI
A:
You haven’t made a mistake. You should use a seal coat of shellac before filling the grain, and grain fillers work equally as well over both waxed and dewaxed shellac. Fillers typically have some color to them, and if you don’t use a seal coat, it will affect the color of the wood beneath. After the filler is dry, I put down another coat of shellac—use dewaxed—and then continue with the finishing process.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Osmo Polyx-Oil
"If I had to choose one of these hard-wax oils to keep on hand, it would be Osmo Polyx-Oil. It’s relatively affordable and very easy to apply." -Adam Godet
Waterlox Original
Versatile wiping varnish is easy to apply and great for both satin and gloss finishes.
Bahco 6-Inch Card Scraper
The size and thickness are what matter here. A consistent performer, this Bahco scraper is found in many shops we visit.
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