Opinions on using SHELLAC.... (zINSSER-bULLS EYE)

[Danny]

Just out of Wonder I bought me a can of Shellac.  Followed directions and was amazed at how the first coat brought out the grain.  Same or better than the previous same project using the BLO/Spirits did.  Have not EVER used Shellac AND I would LOVE to hear others that used this and their experiences.  Thanks....  Danny  :+}

[scrollgirl]

I use that same brand all the time, Danny.  I love it too. It always looks so nice and rich. I first apply mineral oil and after a day or so apply the spray shellac.  It is the nicest finish that I have used, and one of the easiest.

Sheila

[BilltheDiver]

I use shellac all the time Danny.  Zinzer Bullseye is good stuff, partially because it is "de-waxed".  If you get a shellac that is not dewaxed you cannot put a different topcoat on as the wax will prevent it from adhering.  One of the nice things about shellac is that the solvent is denatured alcohol so you can use shellac and the next coat will partially dissolve the first helping solve any defects, then if you want you can put a topcoat of urethane on it without affecting the shellac.

[Billy in Va]

After I had that bad experience with BLO/MS this summer I have started using shellac  ( same brand).  The BLO mix has stayed in the jar most likely will continue that way. I have tried it after lemon oil, mineral oil and alone.  Also after it dries it is nontoxic and kid safe. I think I have a winner!

[Rapid Roger]

Shellac is the answer!
I've been using it on all my woodworking for 6 or 7 years as a seal coat. Cut the Zinsser (out of the can) with an equal amount  of denatured alcohol to make a #1 lb cut for sealing the pores of the wood before staining or using any other finish. It prevents blotching of the stain on most open pored woods like pine and poplar and even oak and is a great sealer for paint or any other kind of finish, even water based finishes.
There is also an amber shellac that gives a red/orange tint to wood that is interesting on some things.
I use Zinsser full strength for a finish too but, be careful about water and or alcohol stains on something like a table top.
Another trick I use to hide cracks or gaps or fill nail holes, is to mix shellac with some of the sawdust from the same wood to make a paste for wood filler. The only thing to watch for here is that if you use shellac for a final coat be careful when brushing over the patch job as the shellac will pull the patch back out.
Needless to say, it comes in spray cans too and makes for easy finishing on smaller ornate items like Christmas tree decorations.
Try it, you'll like it!

Rog

[old wormy]

Where can you find shellac in a spray can?

[Billy in Va]

I fine it at Home Depot and Lowes. Also some hardware stores.  I looked for it at Walmart once but was unable to fine. Don't know if they were out or  if the do not carry it.

[Dean A]

my question about shellac is the smell and fumes. Does it have strong fumes. I imagine if it can be sprayed in a can , then it must have some kind of strong fumes.

 Looking for a finish that I can use in my basement shop that won't gas everyone in the house out

[BilltheDiver]

It has an odor, but to me it isn't strong.  Remember that the solvent in shellac is denatured alcohol rather than mineral spirits, so it isn't as bad.

[BilltheDiver]

Interesting that shellac prices right now are soaring.  They are predicted to go up like a rocket due to a drastic drop in the harvest of the lac from the lac beetle for the past couple of years.  Rockler recently announced that they will no longer be carrying the packages of shellac flakes which have been popular for years and it is assumed it is due to availability.  I am sure the Zinser products will still be available though.

[Marcellarius]

can't find shellac in a spray can in our country (jet)
only way i see is shellac as a resin and you should dissolve it in alcohol.
sounds a lot of extra work....

[old wormy]

I got a couple cans of BullsEye shellac in spray cans and tried it on a small project. I like it better than the Krylon clear lacquer finish. Lot less fumes and the odor goes away much quicker. Finish is better than Krylon but is twice as expensive but it seems to take fewer coats to get desirable finish. I may try to use shellac in my HVLP sprayer in the summer when I set it up in the garage. Work all winter making inventory and spray it all at once when weather turns warm.

[geneVG]

I spray lacquer  on all my stuff.  Talk about bringing the grain out.  I just pops when you spray it on.  The best example if try it on some Cedar or Walnut and you'll see what I mean.

gene