I’ve realised my limitations in using shellac:? On the backboard trims and hood, the sections are small and have resulted in the exact finish I wanted:2tsup:
However, the cover, which is the largest area and most seen, is causing problems. There is no way I can get the finish I want. It’s either splotchy or great in 90% of the surface and flat in the other 10%. I clean it back and try again and it’s still $#@&.
I seem to have the technique for small areas and lose it on large areas.:(( Yes, I have the Polishing Handbook
So i’ve decided to have it done professionally.
In the meantime, I have been trying some different shellac based products
I bought some Feast Watson Mastertouch French Polish which states that it’s shellac based. Application is simpler than shellac (I find) with 1 to 2 filling coats then more coats to increase the level of gloss. It’s applied with a brush or lint free pad or a lint free pad and mop for final coats. I used some on a piece of timber and the finish was excellent.
However, and here’s the kicker, there is a statement to seek profession advice before using on antiques.
is it a no no for antiques?
I also came across another product called Bio Seed-lac which also comes in a bottle but I haven’t been able to get much info on it re application except that a French polisher recommends it and states he uses it on some items at his discretion or when asked by the customer to use it. He says it provides a better, more durable finish that plain shellac. This is echoed on other websites
Any thoughts on that product?
I would appreciate any feedback on these products or other shellac based finishes.
Cheers