Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
Shellac finish for bowls
Alan Tolchinsky
>I'm trying to use shellac for finishing some of my bowls. I like it because it dries so fast but I can't seem to get as smooth a finish as other methods. Is there a trick to wiping on shellac? I'm trying to wipe it on but have not been too successful. I'm using 3lb. cut by Zinnser. Thanks Alan in Md.
Re: Shellac finish for bowls
Ron Sardo in PA
>I mix my own from flakes at about 1-1/2lb cut. I use a small lint free pad dipped in the shellac and just wipe on. I even did this on the lathe while the bowl is spinning.
Try thinning your shellac with DNA.
Re: Shellac finish for bowls
Russ Fairfield
>You can slow the drying rate of shellac with a few drops of Turpentine, pure gum Spirits, not the substitute.
Re: Shellac finish for bowls
RonZ
>While I have mastered a method to get a smooth finish with friction polish, I make my own for large items. I use 1/3 shellac flakes, 1/3 DNA, and 1/3 artists [light colored] linseed oil.
Re: Shellac finish for bowls
Eduardo Sarmiento Hall-Lima Peru
>YesI agree with Ron shellac is very fast driyng stuff I put 3 coats sanding in betwen them with steel wool then apply wax with the steel wool to get the last remains of uneven finnish then a cloth and presto ED
Try this with shellac
Ron Sardo in PA
>I burnished a shellac finish using Russ' method of using a brown paper bag. Incredible finish.
Re: Try this with shellac
Mike Schwing from Md.
>Alan, I do the same thing with the wipe on laquer based Mylands Cellulose Sanding Sealer. You can knock off the fuzzies and smooth out a finish with a very impressive sheen by employing the brown paper bag - but make sure the finish has hardened/cured first!
Re: Shellac finish for bowls
Bob Lemon - Sacramento,CA
>Alan, If you are talking about the shellac that is cloudy, it contains water to extend the shelf life. The water can give you problems. Try the new Zinnser Seal Coat, it is wax and water free, and a 1 lb cut. Bob
Re: Shellac finish for bowls
Alan Tolchinsky
>Thanks guys for all the suggestions. I thinned my shellac to about 1 lb. and wiped on 3 more coats. I'll try to polish/was with 0000 steel wool and see how that goes. I can't remount these to use Russ's burnishing technique but will try that next time. I'm assuming you apply shellac and burnish while still on the lathe? Thanks again. Alan