Beginner Schlaking ?????

[Matt]

How would I shclak (spelling?) a wooden shelf and a counter top ? Can I get this at Home Depot and what is the going price of how it comes ????
Have no clue can you help me ? email - matt@skullzworkshop.com

Thanks

[woodspinner]

Are you maybe refering to Shelac??????

I do not work Shelac, but I think that is what you are trying to speak of....

phil

[Lou_williams]

Shellac is a great finish. Yes, you can get it at home depot, but I wouldn't get the premixed stuff. The self life of shellac is not long. The stuff you buy premixed needs to be very fresh to be anygood. You can check the bottom of the can for the date of manufacture. If it is less than a year maybe it will be ok.

There are lots of different types, from amber to clear.. It is a natural finish that is made form beatles. It can be sprayed brushed or padded on. It is thinned by alcohol. Because of that it is not a good surface to be used where alcohol is servered or spilled.

It dries very fast 10 to 15 min's and can be recoated quickly. About 1 hour between coats. Because it drys so fast it does not show lots of dust when being used.

Hope that helps.

[FredC]

Don't be afraid to use the premixed. I use the Bulleye brand for almost everything I do. It claims it's shelf life is three years. Since I buy it by the quart, it goes mch faster than that. I've tried applying it about every way possible (except spraying) and I find a foam brush works best. I use the 3 pound mix, cut it 50-50 with denatured alcohol, apply it heavy and allow the excess to run back into the mix, then quickly brush to smooth it out a little. With the thin mix, I don't get runs and it dries very quickly (minutes) so dust isn't a problem either. I usually put on four to six coats about two hours apart. Although sanding between coats is recommended, I usually sand lightly after the first coat and before the last coat. I use the mesh stuff because I usually have small irregular shaped parts. Otherwise, I'd use 400 grit sandpaper. I use the mesh after the last coat to take the gloss out, but maybe you want that look. Anyway, I find it's a really easy finish to apply and, as long as you avoid alcohol on the finished product, it should last forever.
Did you ever wonder why someone thought to mix crushed bug scales with alcohol to come up with shellac?

[Seamus]

If you wonder what clear shelac looks like, buy a pack of M&M's. Shelac is the reason it does not melt in your hands.:)