I actually started finishing my shelf a couple weeks ago, I have just been slammed guys and I am sorry for not keeping up with this.

I have a finishing schedule that I am comfortable with and it goes like this.

Homestead Transfast Dye Powder, Early American Maple

1 coat of Boiled Linseed Oil (Kleen Strip)

2lb cut of Brooklyn Tool and Craft Shellac Flakes (Tiger Garnet) (color depending on the project)

2 coats of oil based varnish

Final rub out with Liberon Bison Wax

I have used this for several years and I am happy with it, but that is about to change soon after reading an article on shellac and its uses. More later on that.

After I sprayed on one coat of the TransFast Dye I let it sit for about 24 hrs more or less, then I hit it with a very liberal coat of BLO. I love the application of BLO, it gives me instant satisfaction and a good idea how the color and grain are going to look when it is finished. Also, the main reason I use BLO, it gives the piece a wonderful honey glow and warmth.

After another 24 hrs I brushed on a 2lb cut of garnet shellac, I mixed the flakes per standard ratio of 4:1 denatured alcohol to shellac flakes. The mix was created immediately after I brushed on the BLO, the shellac needs to simmer in the alcohol for at least 4 to 6 hrs before use but I couldn't use my mix for about 24 hrs anyway because I was waiting on the BLO to cure. So it worked out perfectly.

Below you'll see a can of Zinnser with my flakes on top, I just set that up for context. There is nothing wrong with using the Zinnser but I like to be able to control my cut and the color selection is way more diverse when mixing your own. The flake you see on top of the can of Zissner is equal to one can of Zissner. 8 oz of flake=32oz or 1 quart.

When using shellac it can be temperamental, if your not careful you can get brush ridges and overlapping is not recommended unless your quick. When spraying you don't have these issues, but when brushing you need to work efficiently and smartly.

Below is my shelf with one coat of shellac, it is looking great, I love the way the grain is popping and the chatoyance is alive and well! When looking at the piece from differing angles you can see the colors of the curls rippling and moving as in a 3D setting.

I also like shellac because it drys fast, you can be sanding it out in just a couple hours although I like to wait a day. Once it was dry I sanded it out with 320 and we are now ready for my first coat of oil based varnish! I am using Varathane brand High Solids Warm Glow, it adds another level of warmth to the finish that I find pleasing. Next post on that!!!

Thanks for looking and reading along!

For the other posts about my little freestyle no plans shaker shelf please see the links below.

Simple Shaker Shelf Construction with a PC 4210 DT Jig

Simple Shaker Shelf with Home Made Dowels

Simple Shaker Shelf TransFast Dye Stain

 

 

 

 

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker

Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Thats a beautiful shelf John and I love the finish. Great job.

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www.thepatriotwoodworker.com Proud Supporter of Homes For Our Troops

Wow! That's a gorgeous piece. Don't know how that finish could look any better.

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Gene
'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

Thanks guys, it looks good now but it will look even better after a couple coats of satin varnish. Personally I like to stay away from gloss finishes, my personal preference is a satin. But that's just me. Thanks for the comments guys.

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John Morris
The Patriot Woodworker
Proud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops

Very nice John and I agree I like the BLO tone it gives the wood.

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John Moody
Site Administrator


John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

Yes.  Stunning finish. 

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