When is the shine supposed to show up....

[mumbo]

Hi folks,

Trying to get a shine . Using shellac from flakes. Is it supposed to give a good shine or should I use Poly over it?
Interesting that all the sites and videos I have found don't mention what sort of finish to expect.
They are all good at showing how and what you can use but not actual finished results possible by each method.

Has anyone got any suggestions as to an article or video which includes what I'm after.

Cheers

Loyd

[surfdabbler]

Lots of instructions online about how to put on shellac, so I assume you are beyond the stage of putting it on the wood. When you put it on right, and have done several wipe coats, and many hours of rubbing on new layers, you get a decent 'gloss' finish. If you want a high-gloss mirror finish, you have to polish it, generally with french chalk. That's when you get the real shine. What stage are you at with yours?

[mumbo]

Lots of instructions online about how to put on shellac, so I assume you are beyond the stage of putting it on the wood. When you put it on right, and have done several wipe coats, and many hours of rubbing on new layers, you get a decent 'gloss' finish. If you want a high-gloss mirror finish, you have to polish it, generally with french chalk. That's when you get the real shine. What stage are you at with yours?

Yup....I have started putting it on as you say. Up to the 3rd coat with light sanding in between. Looks good but sounds like a few more coats needed.
Not sure about french chalk ..haven't heard of it. Was going to put some Poly on after a few coats of shellac.

Thanks for the reply.

Loyd

[surfdabbler]

Was going to put some Poly on after a few coats of shellac.

Hmm, if I was going to put on poly, I'd just do that from the start. Why go to all the work of shellac, and then poly over it?

[LGS]

For what it's worth, I bought a can of liquid shellac from Masters a few months ago. I used it on some Surian Cedar. I painted it on, then lightly (400g) sanded the coats back each time. After 4 coats, this is what I had. If you're interested, I'll dig out the details of the maker etc. for you. I also used it about 6 weeks later on another piece of Cedar. Still worked.

Regards,

Rob

[mumbo]

Hmm, if I was going to put on poly, I'd just do that from the start. Why go to all the work of shellac, and then poly over it?

Good point but I was thinking the sealing qualities of shellac and the colouring were important.

[mumbo]

For what it's worth, I bought a can of liquid shellac from Masters a few months ago. I used it on some Surian Cedar. I painted it on, then lightly (400g) sanded the coats back each time. After 4 coats, this is what I had. If you're interested, I'll dig out the details of the maker etc. for you. I also used it about 6 weeks later on another piece of Cedar. Still worked.

Regards,

Rob

Looks great Rob... haven't ventured in to Masters yet but this could be a good excuse. Brand name etc would be good , Thanks

Regards
Loyd

[Jim Carroll]

Looks great Rob... haven't ventured in to Masters yet but this could be a good excuse. Brand name etc would be good , Thanks

Regards
Loyd

You can also support the Forum sponsor U Beaut or another option is the Dewaxed white shellac which gives a more clear finish.

Or the hard finish version

[mumbo]

I will do that Jim.....went shopping at Bunnies for U beaut stuff got confused ! but will contact them direct with an order.
Might start with the book on how to do it!

Regards

Loyd

[tea lady]

It also depends on what grit you sanded the wood to.

[jimbur]

It also depends on what grit you sanded the wood to.

TL sums it up. Unless you're pouring plastic on you only get from a finish what you put in to it. A finish like shellac especially if used as french polish will display all the beauty of the wood, but also all the flaws and scratches you've left.