White Shellac?

[Bob Demar]

I am trying to find a suitable finnish for a set of white sassafras dining room chairs I have made. To preserve as much of the timber's figure, and avoid yellowing, I am trying to avoid using an oil finnish.
Would White shellac sealer and wax do the job, or would it require a proper french polished application of the shellac.
Thanks for any ideas.

[Mac Simmons]

I think you want a "Water Clear" coating?

These are crystal clear, and do not yellow over time.

You can use an Acrylic, Butyrate, or CAB Lacquers. The Water Base Lacquers are also "Water Clear" coatings.

MacS

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[ubeaut]

G'day Bob

I think you have hit the nail right on the head with what you proposed. Unfortunately the finishes that Mac suggests are not readily available in Australia and I would be wary about using the water based products that are available here. So far the ones that I have tried have been a bit of a little disapointing. They definitely have the edge in durability but are not the easiest to get a really good finish with, and would be terrible to repair if damaged.

On the other hand the shellac & wax finish will not be as durable but is very easy to repair, if damaged. However if cared for properly you should get many long years of use out of this finish.

If you use a wax try not to use a beeswax based product as they will mostly attract finger marks and dust. Have a look at the U-Beaut Polishes White Shellac and Traditional Wax. There are also a number of other suppliers and manufacturers of these type of products, but in my (bias) oppinion there are none better.

If you decide to try a water based product have a look at our EEE-Ultra Shine as a way of finishing the finish, to give you a blemish free, beautiful looking surface.

There may be some who will see this post as blatant advertising. If so voice your oppinion and tell Bob of a better way. If you know of one.

Cheers
Neil