"Prometheus" wrote in message
...
I did find that when it was very
fresh, it works great, but the can that I have had for a year or two
now no longer will set up properly at all, and becomes gummy and
uneven just as you've described. Could have been old shellac- but if
that *is* the case, the mineral oil is a superb tip. Being sort of on
the poor end of the income spectrum, finding a way to rejuvinate my
3/4 full can of shellac would be great.


Oil won't rejuvenate partially cured shellac. All it does is lubricate the
rag. Old shellac is useful for tack cloths, but not at all as a wood
finish.