"Douglas R. Hortvet, Jr." wrote in message
...
You mention letting the shellac coats sit for several days - although the
can says re-coat
in an hour. Rather imagine that is the VOE speaking i.e., Voice of
Experience.

I don't see a need. Mixed fresh from flake and high quality denatured
alcohol, it should set up hard and tack free in about 10 minutes.
(Milliseconds, if you forget to wipe the jar's threads before screwing on
the lid.) It's fully cured when the alcohol evaporates, about an hour at
most for freshly made. Even when using store-bought, toss it if it doesn't
set up hard in 24 hours. Shelf life of shellac is relatively short. Alcohol
is hydrophilic, and soaks in moisture from the air. The moisture interferes
with curing, and can cause the film to dry cloudy. Keep it tightly capped,
and plan to use it up quickly. I mix 3 lb batches, and pour out just what
I'll use that day, and cut it with fresh alcohol. A quart size round
Tupperware is the right size for me. 1.5 lb cut works pretty well for
brushing. 2 lb cut or very slightly thicker when padding.