Shellac will completely dissolve in alcohol. I do not know how to identify
polyurethane.
Don Young

"bro" wrote in message news:9MlGd.547$Hg6.88@trnddc09...
I removed the wall to wall carpet from the 70 year old house I recently
bought. The floors in the bedrooms appears to be pine coated with shellac
or
possibly polyurethane. I don't want to refinish the floors because of
the beautiful
patina. In only isolated spots and by the door the coating show heavy
wear.

How can I find out which coating is on the floors? How can I protect
and
preserve the floors? What should I use to clean and preserve them?

Thanks,

Mike