Shellac as a sanding sealer

[groeneaj]

Hi all,
I've just discovered the wonderful results you can get when using thinned shellac as a sanding sealer. I used Ubeauts white shellac with a cut of 70% shellac and 30% denatured pure alcohol from Carbatec and found it to be sticky when applying. I ended up adding more methylated and this improved, but still sticky.

Even though I'm very happy with the finish, I was wondering if this was normal? I ended up adding a lot more methylated spirits so I have a mixture of an unknown ratio

Cheers,
Andy

[FenceFurniture]

G'day Andy, others can comment with better knowledge, but i found reversing your initial ratio worked better (about 1:4 Shellac: Metho).

[Pat]

Andy, have a look at this page

[groeneaj]

Thanks Pat, but even after I followed Neil's advice it's still a little bit sticky, is this normal?

[Pat]

Andy, Sanding Sealer takes about 10 minutes to dry. I put it on the piece and wander off to annoy my wife or dogs . . .

[ubeaut]

Humph.... I'D BETTER UPDATE THAT PAGE!

Use 8 - 10 parts metho to 1 part White (dewaxed) Shellac.

That old brew works but was for a weaker brew of shellac and needs to stand for a few hrs to get the full brittle thing happening the above will work much better.

Only apply a thin damp coat do not flood the timber and ideally let it dry for an hour or so even over night for the best results then sand lightly with 1200 grit abrasive to remove the nibs raised buy the sealer and finally give the work a good rub with a soft clean cloth to remove any dust from the sanding.

Cheers - Neil

[FenceFurniture]

But Unca Neil, you won't sell as much Shellac . Such is the role of a benevolent dictator.

[The Bleeder]

But Unca Neil, you won't sell as much Shellac . Such is the role of a benevolent dictator.

Just think of all the metho he'll sell....(the good stuff 'ethanol')