Shellac flakes over ready-to use in a can shellac seems to be the preferred choice of luthiers, but why is that?
Cost?
Control of/elimination of additives?
Freshness? (mixing only what you need when you need it?)
Other factors?
Flakes vs ready-to-use?
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The purpose of this forum site is to provide a means for acoustic guitar makers at all skill levels to forward information, share experience and ask questions if project obstacles are encountered. We ask that egos be left at the door – the highest levels of courtesy and respect are to be shown to all. Posts containing disparaging comments will be removed. The “Acoustic Guitar Construction Forum” is owned by Kenneth Michael Guitars and is copy protected. Direct links to luthier suppliers are not permitted and will be edited.
The purpose of this forum site is to provide a means for acoustic guitar makers at all skill levels to forward information, share experience and ask questions if project obstacles are encountered. We ask that egos be left at the door – the highest levels of courtesy and respect are to be shown to all. Posts containing disparaging comments will be removed. The “Acoustic Guitar Construction Forum” is owned by Kenneth Michael Guitars and is copy protected. Direct links to luthier suppliers are not permitted and will be edited.
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John Parchem
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Re: Flakes vs ready-to-use?
For me the shelf life of flaked is longer than prepared shellac. Also, for safety reasons I use Everclear to mix the shellac,so I do not have to worry about the toxic alcohols and additives in a prepared mixture. I have a wide choice of wax free colors to choose from. It is very easy to make.
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Dan Pennington
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Re: Flakes vs ready-to-use?
Yup, flakes and Everclear for french polishing. Not breathing the bad stuff.
Re: Flakes vs ready-to-use?
I'm a fan of shellac flakes and everclear as well. Very easy to mix up, and you knows its fresh.
Here in Washington they don't sell the high proof stuff, so I have to pick it up when I'm in Portland. Last time I was at the liquor store they went in back to grab me a bottle, came back out and said - "You don't look like the kind of guy who would drink this stuff" - I took that as a compliment.
Here in Washington they don't sell the high proof stuff, so I have to pick it up when I'm in Portland. Last time I was at the liquor store they went in back to grab me a bottle, came back out and said - "You don't look like the kind of guy who would drink this stuff" - I took that as a compliment.
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Dave Bagwill
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peter havriluk
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John Parchem
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Re: Flakes vs ready-to-use?
It is 95 proof drinkable alcohol. Very close to as pure ethanol as nature allows once exposed to air. Given the shellac is edible, I am finishing with a food grade finish.peter havriluk wrote:What's 'everclear'?