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?

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3 Comments

thea_knight2mo ago

Mixed shellac myself for the first time last week and yes, that moment when it just works is pure gold.

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grant.margaret4mo ago

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

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hayes.elliot4mo ago

My woodworking teacher always said shellac sticks to anything.

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