Official Luthiers Forum!

I inadvertantly used shellac with wax in it on my #2 build , now the finish seems to have dried out considerably.
Did I apply to thin?
Or is it a product of the shellac having wax in it?
Why not use waxed shellac?
What are the consequenses?
Thanks for your time,
Peter

Shellac with the wax still in it was probably the way it was used for centuries.
Dewaxed is needed if your going to apply another finish over the shellac.
All finishes shrink with age .
They may look thick and you think the job is done but as it shrinks 'glue lines ,and pores etc.. can show through.
It's a good idea to apply thin coats with ample drying time between coats .
If applied in thick coats the finish will shrink for quite some time.

I see no reason not to use the waxed shellac.
it may easier to apply with a pad because of the wax in it!

Mike

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Mike Collins

Thanks for replying Mike.
A guy might be of the belief then that shellac with wax may offer better protection from
some liquids and that dreaded place where your arm hands over the lower bout, then theres also the times when I really concentrate I've been known to drool a bit , maybe I should take up the banjo .

seriously though, would the wax help in that regard?
Peter

I think the wax stays on the surface and may over time be rubbed off.
You could always apply a layer of regular wax to that area .

Mike

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Mike Collins

I have been FPing my guitars with dewaxed Shellac for a few years now...

So if I wasn't going to apply any other finish, it's OK to use the wax version of Shellac?

Other than my finish drying out, which was an application problem. It seems to me that
it's O.K.

If as suggested the wax is on the surface wouldn't it be removed when you spirit off?
Sorry if I'm flogging a dead horse here. Just trying not to err. (again)
Peter

Peter no worries, Lutherie and drooling go together.........

Mike I didn't know this either. So if French polish is the finish waxed shellac is OK?

I just did some experiments with waxed & dewaxed today!
The waxed needed hardly any added lubricant!
It depends on how thick a layer your making and the speed of your layering up-temprature & humidity!!
Dewaxed needed allot more lube(oils) than dewaxed!
I'm a happy camper with this.

You should have a supply of both & try it yourself -because everybody seems to apply &work the shellac a bit differently!
Buy a 1/4 lb. and see what works for you !!

Mike
Remember you can't finish over dewaxed with any other finish .

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Mike Collins

Thanks Mike - well you just taught an old dog a new trick!

Hesh ;
I would use the dewaxed on those old Braz. bridges you just got !!!


Mike

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Mike Collins

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Stay with the happy people.
--Reynolds Large

I believe he meant you can't put any other finish over the waxed shellac

Yes -do NOT try to apply anything buy more shellac to a waxed surface.
You'll have very serious adhesion problems.

Picking on Hesh -I know he aquired some Braz. bridge blanks recently.

Mike

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Mike Collins

Hesh acquired some BRW bridge blanks because my friend Mike is VERY generous!!

Thanks again Mike!!!!