Applying swooge coat of shellac.

[Paws]

I recently bought A Polishers Manual, and read that when you are applying the first, swooge coat, of shellac you should never apply the shellac across the grain. What do you do, though, when you are wanting to shellac a panel with some of the wood joined end grain to long grain? Do you just shellac each piece of wood seperately, and if so how do you avoid getting an uneven build up of shellac at the join?

[RufflyRustic]

Hi Paws,

I've been practising putting the shellac finish on first before putting the small box together. I use masking tape to cover the join faces and so far this has worked really well. I do need heaps more practice though as there's still a bit of runoff and marks. I also try to come off the edges with the swooge rather than start right onto the edge, again with varying degrees of success.

Others may have better advice than this though.

cheers
Wendy

[ubeaut]

In a case like that there is virtually no option but to go across the grain. It's only the initial coats to help fill the grain so it's no really big deal. Any problems can be fixed with sandpaper and the rest will all work out as you continue.

Don't take to much notice of what's in that book the bloke who wrote it's a real ratbag.

Cheers - Neil
"A Polishers Handbook"