Wax & Shellac on Sheoak and Jarrah

[Zvon Ponos]

Dear Experts,

Could you please help me with this one?

I would like to try finishing a small box with Traditional Wax over (grain filled) shellac.

What shellac would you recommend - orange or blond?

Grain filling - should I fill the grain with a grain filler like Number 2 in the handbook (hide glue + talc) or brush & cut layers of shellac.

Your advice would & will be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Zvon

[Shane Watson]

It will all work. Best bet is for you to do some experimenting on a bit of offcut first. See what you find easy or a method you prefer then proceed onto the finished product.
You could also just use shellac as a grain filler, will take a lot longer to fill the grain but I find you get a clearer finish, although this is best done with blonde shellac.
I actually stopped using grainfiller about 6yrs ago and havn't looked back. My clients all comment on how clear my work is on opened grain timbers compared to other finishers.
Cheers, wlecome to the board & have fun

[Zvon Ponos]

Hallo Shane,

Thanks for the reply. I'll use blonde shellac as a grain filler.

I have tried the Timbermate filler (jarrah colour) which is easy to apply, but ultimately the results were disappointing. The surface lost its contrast & grain variation and appeal.

The next question will be what is the quickest way to fill grain with shellac - brush, spray or with a rubber. I have tried brushing only.

Regards
Zvon

[Shane Watson]

Depends who you talk too. But you need to force the shellac into the grain to fill it. So spraying will take a little longer than the other two, but the best bet of all is to use a rubber. It won't fill very quickly, so be prepared for a bit of a wait. But you can apply the shellac thicker than one normaly would when applying final coats. Well, I use a rubber in anycase, but a proper polishing mop (not brush) will do the same, if not better.
Cheers!