A basic shellac question.
In the past When I was to use shellac on something I would put about an inch of flakes in a jar and add alcohol, 3/4 full no matter what the size of the container. I always wound up with a "clear jelly" looking layer at the bottom of the container no matter how much stirring or shaking.I wind up pouring off the top layer into a container and disposing of the remaining "Jelly" In use, I would just keep adding coats 4,6,9 what ever the task needed, wether it was a wash, sealer coat or a finish in itself.
I had viewed Glen Huey,s DVD on "Finishes that pop" and noticed that the shellac in his container did not have that problem.
Now here is my question: Am I adding to little solvent?, not dissolving all the flakes? the shellac mixture is very thin, no where near as thick as a store bought varnish.
Could the flakes be to old? they are Belhens super blond and purchased about 5-6 years ago. I thought flakes had no shelf life.
I have not had any problems with drying or hardness of the final finish etc. just wondering if I'm wasting the flakes by not adding more alcohol. (it seems very thin as it is)
Thanks for any comments.
Joe
In the past When I was to use shellac on something I would put about an inch of flakes in a jar and add alcohol, 3/4 full no matter what the size of the container. I always wound up with a "clear jelly" looking layer at the bottom of the container no matter how much stirring or shaking.I wind up pouring off the top layer into a container and disposing of the remaining "Jelly" In use, I would just keep adding coats 4,6,9 what ever the task needed, wether it was a wash, sealer coat or a finish in itself.
I had viewed Glen Huey,s DVD on "Finishes that pop" and noticed that the shellac in his container did not have that problem.
Now here is my question: Am I adding to little solvent?, not dissolving all the flakes? the shellac mixture is very thin, no where near as thick as a store bought varnish.
Could the flakes be to old? they are Belhens super blond and purchased about 5-6 years ago. I thought flakes had no shelf life.
I have not had any problems with drying or hardness of the final finish etc. just wondering if I'm wasting the flakes by not adding more alcohol. (it seems very thin as it is)
Thanks for any comments.
Joe