On Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:33:16 -0500, FrozenNorth wrote:

I have the shelf made and coloured properly to match cabinets, now what
to
use for a clear coat? Poly, varnish, shellac or ?


Assuming it's dewaxed shellac all you have to worry about is heat and
alcohol. Grease etc wipes off of shellac just like it wipes off of any
other film finish.

But considering the shelf might lead a rough life I'd go for one of long
oil varnishes (aka Danish oil) - Tried & True is my favorite but Watco is
probably easier to find. That way the shelf is easily refinished.

--
Intelligence is an experiment that failed - G. B. Shaw