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OK, I just knew I could find the perfect cut and shade for a shellac washcoat. I made 8 different concoctions: 1 lb cut of Very Light Blond, 1lb cut of Light Blond, 1lb cut of Medium Dark Blond and a 1lb cut of Amber. Next I made a 2lb cut of the same 4 shades. I applied all 8 shades by hand with a pad. Then I applied all 8 shades again with a spraygun. I applied all these combinations on cedar, bubinga and koa. You know what? I can't tell a hill of beans of difference in any of them.
My questions are:
1. Can you tell the difference when using different cuts and shades of shellac?
2. What cut and shade do you like to use for a washcoat? ( My motivation was to counter a bluish hue on dark woods in strong sunlight. I use waterbased laquer)
3. What would be the reason for different shades of shellac if it is hard to discern the difference once applied?

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Formerly know as Mandodiddle.

Bill-
For a washcoat, it probably doesn't make a whole lot of difference what you use- especially on darker woods.
If you had a near-white piece of spruce and applied several coats, using some of the darker shellacs (I think there are some darker shades than the ones you tried?), you would see a difference.
BTW, the bluish hue is one of the main criticisms of some of the waterborne lacquers, as you probably know.
Perhaps varnish or French polish might be in your future finishing plans??
Cheers
John

Yeah, I think a wash coat does little. It's when you start to build the finish that you notice the color change, and it is significant.

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Waddy

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