Shellac as protection

French Polish -- materials -- tools -- methods
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Dennis in Anola
Posts: 224
Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2012 10:45 am
Location: Anola Manitoba

Shellac as protection

Post by Dennis in Anola » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:11 pm

I see that shellac is often used during the sanding processes to prevent color contamination of light woods. For example, around the rosette and around the binding edges on a rosewood rim. Can other products such as minwax, laquers, CAB clear (airplane dope) etc. be used successfully for the same purpose or is there a specific reason such as compatability that these other products shouldn't be used. After all, the protection shellac is going to be sanded off eventually.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race, the rats get faster.

ken cierp
Posts: 3924
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Re: Shellac as protection

Post by ken cierp » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:18 pm

My one and only recommendation for a sealer Behlens vinyl sealer in a spray can. Brushing on the sealer can drag the resins etc. on to the light color woods. Mohawk is the same as Behlens. Shellac adds color to the wood and I personally don't like to deal with that issue.

Dave Bagwill
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Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm

Re: Shellac as protection

Post by Dave Bagwill » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:30 pm

Ken, what is your opinion of using a thin wash-coat of your finish as a sealer?
-Under permanent construction

ken cierp
Posts: 3924
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 11:23 pm

Re: Shellac as protection

Post by ken cierp » Wed Apr 25, 2012 7:37 pm

I certainly have done that before -- but the fact is over the years I come to rely on the convenience of rattle cans. Plus -- and I don't know this for sure, I believe the vinyl formulation is helpful in trapping the oils and resins.

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