Shellac question

[oldhudson]

For those of you who use shellac to seal wood before staining. Are you using Zinsser Bulls Eye straight out of the can or are you cutting it? And if you're cutting would you please share your formula. Many thanks. 

[fredfret]

I usually use the rattle can but if I use the liquid it's cut with denatured alcohol about 50:50. A friend uses a 75% alcohol 25% shellac mix and 2 coats.

 

[Ctutor]

Shellac is made by dissolving flakes in alcohol.  Any type alcohol can be used but Methanol dries fastest.  A 2 p[pound cut is two pounds of flakes in a gallon of alcohol.  So you can mix any cut you want.  the flakes can be had in various shades of yellow. A 2 lb cut is the usual type you can find. 

[NC Scroller]

This.... Straight from the can.

https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/zinsser/interior-wood-finishes/sealcoat-universal-sanding-sealer/

Edited May 18, 2020 by NC Scroller
fixed url

[Roberta Moreton]

I don’t understand. BEFORE staining?

[NC Scroller]

17 hours ago, Roberta Moreton said:

I don’t understand. BEFORE staining?

When you stain some woods like pine the color can come out blotchy.  Applying a sanding sealer, can help prevent that.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/woodworking/staining-wood/how-to-stain-wood-evenly-without-getting-blotches-and-dark-spots/

Edited May 19, 2020 by NC Scroller

[Bill WIlson]

When using a pre-stain conditioner, washcoat or sealer, one must be aware that less pigment will be absorbed into the grain, so the color will not be as dark as you might expect.  It will be more uniform, but not as dark.  This may affect the color choice of stain that you choose.  As always, test on scrap before committing to the finished project.

[Roberta Moreton]

I will try this. 

[OCtoolguy]

This subject brings to mind a question regarding the changing shades of padauk. I have been told that it will grow ever darker if exposed to much light. Is there any kind of UV protector that can be used on wood to stop this from happening?

 

[WayneMahler]

2 hours ago, octoolguy said:

This subject brings to mind a question regarding the changing shades of padauk. I have been told that it will grow ever darker if exposed to much light. Is there any kind of UV protector that can be used on wood to stop this from happening?

 

The same applies to Tulip Poplar and many other wood species. Using something Urethane will help protect from UV rays but eventually it will go dark or darker . Trying to think of a good example, Cherry comes to mind first as it darkens to that gorgeous reddish brown with age . Very few species are less likely to darken such as certain maples . The one that darkens the most would be ebony  ( Sorry couldn't resist ) . There is a color chart I remember seeing someplace that shows the effects of the different species as they age. If I can locate it again I'll let you know.

 

[OCtoolguy]

40 minutes ago, WayneMahler said:

The same applies to Tulip Poplar and many other wood species. Using something Urethane will help protect from UV rays but eventually it will go dark or darker . Trying to think of a good example, Cherry comes to mind first as it darkens to that gorgeous reddish brown with age . Very few species are less likely to darken such as certain maples . The one that darkens the most would be ebony  ( Sorry couldn't resist ) . There is a color chart I remember seeing someplace that shows the effects of the different species as they age. If I can locate it again I'll let you know.

 

I did run across a video that deals with the darkening a bit. Here's the link.