advice needed - removing shellac

[Zed]

Hi,

Some advice please,

I've just finished construction of a blanket box and am now putting on the finish. I've used Ubeat Dewaxed shellac but made a mistake by applying it witha paintbrush. thus I've left streaks and runs. Trying to buff it smooth wix ubeaut cutting friciton polish but no good so I used a scraper to get the excess off and then tried to repolish over the top... this does not work...! bugger!

I think the next step is to remove the shellac completely but sanding will be very wasteful as the pores of the paper clog up real quick!

Any ideas how I can cut back to bare wood so I can reapply with a cloth this time ? Do you have product to achieve this end Neil ? I tried turps but it doesnt seem to work either.

Thanks for the help all.

Cheers

Zed

[Rusty]

Try rubbing with metho and a rag. This should dissolve your first finish and give you a chance to smooth it out a bit. It was U's white shellac, yeah? Good results can be had with a brush, but only if built up with a couple of thinned coats. Hope this helps.

Rusty.

[Shedhand]

Don't know what others think but I've had good results using #0000 steel wool and metho (with the grain) and while it's still wet wipe it with a lint free cloth. Repeat the process until you're happy with the finish.
Good luck.

[Auld Bassoon]

Hi,

I tried turps but it doesnt seem to work either.

Thanks for the help all.

Cheers

Zed

G'day Zed,

You need to use Meths, not turps. Learnt that one after setting a brush solid in about 30 seconds

Wipe on the meths with a soft cloth, turning to a new area of the cloth frequently. I'd also suggest some latex gloves as it can get pretty messy.

Cheers!

[markharrison]

It is possible to use a brush to lay on some body coats of shellac. Build up a few coats (you can safely do three in a day) and lightly sand out any irregularities when the shellac has gone hard. I would suggest waiting at least a day (depending on weather conditions) before doing this. I use 400 grit wet and dry paper for this.

[Iain]

Long smooth strokes with a metho (100%) soaked rag, should remove all the streaks and even things up.
I'm surprised it left marks that bad unless you didn't dilute it enough to start with.

[jow104]

Zed

Some of that monkey P(I)ss should do the trick.

[woodhog]

I would have to read the product labels first to be positive about finish compatibility as I havent used this product in awhile & it may be cheaper than sandpaper & easier too. Formby makes a special liquid as an alternative to paint stripper liquid that works using by reusing an existing finish & stains. I would try going to their website or just check the can at the store.