I am planning to finish some curly maple this weekend. All the research I have done has lead me to the conclusion that a light 1# or less coat of shellac, then a oil or oil/varnish blend will "pop" the figure the best.
I consider shellac a film coat sealant. So please explain to me how it could be used in conjunction with a penetrating finish like oil. Does it act as a conditioner, sealing only parts of the wood. Or is it used more as a grain filler to give a smooth finish?
In my ideal word, I would like to give all the pieces a light coat of shellac. Mainly so the inside of the piece is finished but won't stink. But if I do that I am worried that any slop might affect the penetration of the oil finish that I would like to use. Please enlighten me on the mechanics/ purpose of the shellac seal coat on a tight grained wood like maple.
Thanks, Dave
I consider shellac a film coat sealant. So please explain to me how it could be used in conjunction with a penetrating finish like oil. Does it act as a conditioner, sealing only parts of the wood. Or is it used more as a grain filler to give a smooth finish?
In my ideal word, I would like to give all the pieces a light coat of shellac. Mainly so the inside of the piece is finished but won't stink. But if I do that I am worried that any slop might affect the penetration of the oil finish that I would like to use. Please enlighten me on the mechanics/ purpose of the shellac seal coat on a tight grained wood like maple.
Thanks, Dave