Official Luthiers Forum!

Has anybody used U-Beaut Hard Shellac from LMI? I'm looking for a wip-on or brush-on finish that I can apply in my spare bedroom. My shop is in the garage and during the colder months in NC I'm driven into my spare bedroom. I have used Tru-Oil on my previous 4 builds. It's okay, but I'd like to consider other options...

Steve, it can be french-polished in the same way as regular shellac, which would suit your situation. My own results with it weren't exactly stunning but I put that down to it being my first attempt at french polishing. I had reservations about it being suitable for french-polishing given that it's supposed to be impervious to alcohol, but I gather it takes a few weeks to develop full hardness and resistance which I would think allows time for application with this method. Google the Milburn tutorial or have a look at Michael Payne's tutorial at http://www.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10117&t=21980 if you're keen to give it a try. Note that straight out of the container it's said to be something like a 4lb cut.

The manufacturer's web site says it can also be brushed but I haven't tried it and can't really comment. It certainly sprays well, but that could prove to be a problem in your spare bedroom!

Cheers
Pete

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Cheers
Pete

Steve: I have a bottle of the original recipe. It is getting kind of old so I would not use on a guitar, but if you want something to test on scrap, I think we are in the same neck of the woods - I am in Cary.

I originally tried to brush and that did not come out to well - My application not the product was the problem. I then sanded back a bit and tried to french polish. Again, I think my technique was the problem. I thinnned it quite a bit to french polish and tried to follow the method from Robbie Obrien's DVD. You cannot follow the normal directions of storing your pad- it will get hard if you do not clean after each application.

BTW, there was another thread just a few days ago.

viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=24577

Greg

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Greg Hatcher
North Carolina