Showerthought: I used to think shellac was a pain until a job in Asheville

I had to match a 1920s dresser for a client there, and the original finish was shellac over stain. My usual lacquer just looked WRONG, too plastic-y. After three failed attempts, I mixed a 2-pound cut of dewaxed shellac and the way it melted into the old finish was MAGIC. Has anyone else had a finish that just clicked on a tough job?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant.margaret9d ago

That moment when the old finish accepts the new shellac is pure relief.

hayes.elliot9d ago

My woodworking teacher always said shellac sticks to anything.