Recently, I decided to check into shellac as a finish.  I watched a few YouTube videos to get an idea of the process, and, after a quick Amazon search and purchase, a variety pack was on the way.

 

 

I then mixed up a two pound cut of the blonde flakes and looked about for a project.  As luck would have it, the parts for my Benjamin 392PA air rifle arrived and after changing the valve and some o-rings, I decided to refinish it as well.

 

 

So, I removes the stock and began to sand......and sand.........and sand.  Progressed from 80 grit to 120 grit and finally liked the results.

 

 

A big difference from the varnished version.  During the process of applying eight coats of shellac, I learned quite a few tidbits:  1)  Shellac dries quickly, 2) The first coat of shellac raised the grain more than I thought it would. 3)  Layer the shellac to get the desired type of finish (matte, shiny, etc.) instead of trying to do one or two thick coats.  4)  Paste wax really helps to bring out the shine and should provide a little more protection.

 

The shellac finish feels really good in the hands and gives a warmth to the wood that the varnish just covers up.

 

I remember using shellac in high school but have not really used it much since. Looks like you did a fantastic job on the refinish.

1 hour ago, lew said:

I remember using shellac in high school but have not really used it much since. Looks like you did a fantastic job on the refinish.

Thanks.  it was a learning experience for sure.

Nice work ! Shellac is labor intensive but the results are great. 
Pail

That came out really nice Thad!  How did you apply the shellac?

I love what you did you with the rifle Thad! Beautiful!

I know you are more than likely aware, but in case, remember shellac is not for outdoor use, it does ok in moisture, but not really. In the old days shellac was used on indoor furniture as the primary finish, but it's highly suggested to use shellac more as a base color, for depth and tone, and then you can top coat with varnish or other coating that is durable and resistant.

If your rifle comes in contact with water, the morning dew on the tail gate of a truck or something like that, dry it off soon, water can stain shellac if not dried quickly.

 

I love shellac, I used it on some blanket chests I made some years ago, I used it because the chest called for a traditional finish using shellac, but I did cover with varnish, the combination was lovely.

I also used it as a top coat over a water dye, then again, top coat with varnish.

2 hours ago, Cal said:

That came out really nice Thad!  How did you apply the shellac?

I used a two pound cut of the blonde flakes and just used an old t-shirt as an applicator. 

1 hour ago, John Morris said:

 remember shellac is not for outdoor use, it does ok in moisture, but not really. In the old days shellac was used on indoor furniture as the primary finish, but it's highly suggested to use shellac more as a base color, for depth and tone, and then you can top coat with varnish or other coating that is durable and resistant.

You are correct, shellac is not really a protective finish.  This project was a learning opportunity for me since I had never worked with shellac and I did learn a lot with this little test.  Also, after about 8 applications of the shellac, I  applied a paste wax.  This is still not as protective as a varnish or poly, but the maintenance required for such a finish gives me something to do between hunts .

4 minutes ago, Thad said:

You are correct, shellac is not really a protective finish. 

I knew you knew Thad, just had to put it out there.

Like I stated earlier, my friend collects these old air rifles, and man I gotta tell ya, seeing how much fun he has restoring his and shooting them, makes me wanna take it up too. He has brought a few of his restores into work, and I got to handle them, they old air rifles, 1970's and earlier, sure were made well! The metal is thick, blued, and the stocks are high quality rifle grade, they really made them well back in the day didn't they?

This Benjamin 392PA is a .22 cal that was made in the mid '90's.  The interesting thing about these is the brass barrel and tube.  They are painted black, but I'm considering removing that for a clear coat over the brass.  That may go better with the wooden stock.  Can't get more classic than walnut and brass!  Maybe some stock carving and/or checkering.......Lots of opportunities popping up with this little thing. 

For your finish coat try Brichwood Casey Tru Oil. This is the finish used on gunstocks. You can get it in a spray.

Most excellent Thad. Beautiful results and befitting for such a classic gun. Thanks for tutorial.