White, Dewaxed, Orange =confused

[royal]

I hope this isnt a to basic question and leaving shellac on my face.
With the advice ive read on this BB for using shellac as a sanding sealer on various timbers, why is white shellac usually recomended? Why not the normal orange shellac? is this due to a darkening in some woods with the orange or is this due to the wax content in the orange affecting the next finishing products. And again excuse my ignorance but is it practice or possible to use shellac in a french polish application to acheive a high gloss and coat that gloss polished look with a clear lacquer to seal it under the lacquer to protect and thus adding durability but retainimg the FP look. Probally a silly question but im quite curious in finishing but quite new to it all....Many thanks

[ubeaut]

G'day Royal - Good questions.

White shellac because it won't discolour the wood any more than wetting with water.

Dewaxed White shellac because it is dewaxed and won't affect any other product used aftrewards, it is also a harder shellac that sands easier than the waxy ones, and will also allow water dyes and stains to penetrate the surface of the wood without causing a problem.

No don't coat over a french polished finish. You will be applying an also ran finish over what should be perfection.

If you use lacquer use it in its own right. French polish doesn't need a finish applied over it for protection but education of the owner of the polished piece in the care of finely finished furniture.

We have a new product about to come out which is a Hardened Dewaxed White Shellac. This stuff will withstand heat, water and alcohol. It is ideal for tabletops and works exactly the same way as regular shellac. It can be brushed, sprayed, dipped and applied with a rubber as a traditional french polish. You shouldn't need to put anything over it to protect it.

Cheers - Neil

PS You might like to think about purchasing a copy of "A Polishers Handbook" Reviewed again in the last Australian Woodworker. CLICK HERE for more info.