Joseph Meehan wrote:
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

"1_Patriotic_Guy" wrote in message


are dull. What are my options? When dry, what are the appearance
and performance/endurance differneces between Lacquer, Shellac,
Varnish and Polyurethane? Also what should I know about working
with each? Will clear
polyurethane, give me the shiny finish I wanted and previously got
with the
"High Gloss" polyurethane? If not can I buy Deft "High Gloss" poly
through
the internet?

Thanks in advance,
Novice woodworker



Just to clarify, all poylurethanes are varnish, but not all varnish is
polyurethane.

Shellac is a wonderful finish that has been around hundreds of years.
It is not alcohol resistant though and will dissolve in its presence.
Don't spill a drink on the table if you use it. Shellac is used to
coat M & M's and many pills. It is made from a secretion of the Lac
beetle.
Clean poly comes in satin, semi gloss, high gloss. One of them
should suit your needs.

Lacquer is nice, durable, most often sprayed, but brushing lacquer
does exist.

For better info, ask over on rec.woodworking.


I agree with all of the above and will add that while I love shellac I
would not choose it for a table that will see a lot of service or is likely
to receive alcohol spills. Shellac is very nice to work with.

I would not suggest lacquer. It takes some skill to do right.



I'm no laquer expert, but I have had success hand rubbing with
"rottenstone" and oil. Rottenstone is a very fine abrasive. I actually
used a felt pad attached to a wood sanding block, applied a bit of a
light oil as a lubricant, and used liberal amounts of elbow grease.
/Kinda time consuming, but the results were great!