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I ahve been experimenting with Tru-oil and some other hand applied finished. I really like tru-oil but am not looking for a high gloss finish, and it produces real shine. I have been trying several methods to knock it down, unsuccesfully--everything looked cloudy and I wasn't satified with the fugure popping under the finish.
I buffed back the Tru-oil finish with maroon scotch brite pads. It made a very smooth and level finish and really cut it back to a dull finish-too dull. At this point I wanted to pop the figure again, but knew the Tru-oil would be too glossy. I decided to wipe on a coat of Zissner sanding sealer shallac. It really brought the figure out to my liking and added just the right amount of gloss, kind of a semi gloss.
I was thinking, maybe I'll just use Zissner's amber shellac straight from the can as a final finish. I already have the protective qualities of the Tro-oils seven leveled coats. Adhesion should not be problem and it produces a nice mid gloss. Can anyone comment on using the shellac as a top coat. Will it present any problems?

Arnt did a beautiful F5 finished with shellac. You can see it here. Perhaps he can comment on any issues...

-Mark

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AF, the amber Zinsser is waxed, 3lb. cut. Too heavy, and the wax may cause adhesion problems. You want Zinsser's Seal Coat, which is de-waxed, and is a 2lb. cut, which is a much better starting point to use for an instrument (you'll probably want to thin it even further, especially if applying by hand).

A 1lb cut is what I've been using for my French Polish (Per Robbie O'Briens Method) and it works out beautifully.
Any problems with Shellac adhesion over the Tru-Oil?
-j.

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Thanks guys, I have the seal coat. You think I should cut it more than the 2# ?
Any tips on applying it?

Got spray equipment? It sprays great right out of the can. That's what I use as an initial sealer, two coats, fill the pours, two more coats than on to nitro.

Shellac of course has been used for centuries in wood finishing and as long as it's cared for is a very very good finish indeed. I even think that it would be a harder finish than the tru-oil once fully cured.

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