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I’m testing some royal lac ... I remember having this issue before so I know it’s something I’m doing / not doing

When I do a sip on finish the sheen is always streaky... almost like part of the finish is dry and some isn’t... it goes along w my strokes so it isn’t the wood...
how do I keep it from looking streaky and look more uniform?


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To paraphrase Willy, Well, theres the rub. (pun intended)
Though no experience with royal lac, I do have experience with various wipe on finishes.
I don’t worry too much about the streakiness until the final coat or two.
I believe the issue you have is a bit too dry on the final coat. Thinning the last coat may help to flow out a bit better, but there is a fine line between too wet and too dry. I think that this is something that comes with experience.

def. experience: the knowledge gained from a $#itload of mistakes

B

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My memory is so good, sometimes I remember things that never happened.

I don’t think of shellac as a “wipe on” finish like TruOil or Minwax Wipe On Poly. To get a high quality finish I use a traditional French Polish technique.

That said, as I build with Royal Lac I slowly begin incorporating walnut oil. A tiny amount. As in I dip the end of a finger in it and swipe across the muñeca. Do you use oil when wiping on shellac? That might help with streaking and surface tearing.


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I don't think RL is meant to be wooed on. There's a tut on their site on how to pad it on. I followed it and got very poor results. YMMV...

I french polish with Royal Lac and get good results. It does take practice. I use 4 or 5 drops of RL with 3 or 4 drops of alcohol when I load the muneca (however you spell that). I also use just a tiny bit of walnut oil but not every time.

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Steve Smith
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