shellac flakes

[jarrod]

Ok here is one for all you shellac guru's out there (namely DB and Gav).
I'm going to experiment with using shellac flakes as a wood sealer under clear coat and as a way of separating in compatible finishes . My question is
1. is good old green shed Meth's Dentured alcohol
2. how do I determine a mix ratio
3. do I need to leave it over night before I strain it to a usable form.
I have no experience here with this stuff so any help would be most welcome.

remember it is only being used as a sealer/ separator so I only had one maybe two coats in mind of blonde.
Thanks

[DanMade]

Great topic Jarrod. I'm going to be doing just this on my current builds. I have mixed my own shellac years ago back in college,but it's been a while so Im a bit rusty on the details. I think a refresher course is what I need.

[dingobass]

OK.
1: Yep. I use Diggers brand meths to melt the Shellac.
2: A general rule of thumb ratio that I use is half fill a 250ml jar with said meths then add the DEWAXED Shellac flakes until they reach the 1/4 mark.
3: It is helpful to make the mix up in the morning so you can give it a shake every few hours. Leave it over night, then shake the bejesus out of it to make sure all of the Shellac is melted.
Let it settle for a few hours then strain and use

You can thin accordingly with meths if needed.

[dingobass]

Forgot to mention that Blonde Shellac is generally available from Carbatec and most specialist wood workers Nirvanas

[DanMade]

Brilliant, thanks DB

[Gavin1393]

Yea, dont buy from anywhere else but Carbatech,.....agree 100% with what DB said...make enough to last you no more than a year! It starts to go off after that time.

[jarrod]

Big thanks guy's

[DanMade]

Cool, I have to make a trip to carbatec tomorrow for a router bit and some cabinet scrapers so I will grab some shellac flakes while I am there.
I was just going to use the Feast Watson flakes from the hardware. Why do you guys prefer the stuff from carbatec, and do you know what the brand is you use?

[Gavin1393]

You need the Blonde Dewaxed flakes - I use the Liberon branded bug poop!

[jarrod]

I had already ordered the blond dewaxed from ASL . Should be ok ?