Official Luthiers Forum!

Michael,

Yes, as you and Paul have said, walnut oil is not soluble in alcohol. I only know what I've read, mostly in the LMI catalog/handbook, about mixing it with shellac. A stir or shake of the mixture in the bottle seems in order before adding to the pad. These guys, most notably Eugene Clark, say it does combine as a sort of "double" finish on the instrument, and, they say, improves both the hardness and water restistance of the final product. I agree with you, there's nothing wrong with a pure shellac finish. As Mr. Clark says, the usual reason for any failure of a shellac finish is having the wrong thing under it (like using glue in the pore filler, e.g.).

Like I said Carlton, I myself would be leery of any oil left in the film. Walnut oil may not cause adhesion problems but I’m not sure about that. Hey and don't worry we are all just sharing ideas and opinions here. I will never be one to say your dead wrong. If it works for you, than it is a valid technique.

steve, i have bought it from both health food stooes and supermarkets, though it is usually only the better supermarkets whick crry the good oils..