Unpopular opinion: Thinning shellac on that first coat makes all the difference

I used to just pour shellac straight from the can onto my pieces. It often dried blotchy and left ugly brush marks. My grandpa mentioned once to try thinning it with a little denatured alcohol. I was skeptical but gave it a shot on a small table leg. The thinned shellac flowed on so smooth and soaked right into the wood. It dried even and clear without any streaks. Now I always thin that first coat, and my finishes look way more professional. That one tip saved me hours of sanding and fixing mistakes.

3 comments

3 Comments

michaelw901mo ago

How could something so simple work so well? I fought brush marks for years before trying this.

maxw341mo ago

Same here, total game changer for finish quality.

jessel351mo agoMost Upvoted

That 'total game changer' line is spot on, my friend's work looked PROFESSIONAL overnight.