Shellac + wax
 

For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?

Thanks.

Shellac + wax
 

On Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 6:05:47 AM UTC-5, Michael wrote:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?

Thanks.

Overall, its my favorite finish, especially when turning. Its not a durable as a gym floor poly, but it does wear well (I assume you put several coats of shellac on, before several coats of wax) The really good thing is, its easily repaired if you do get some damage. Just treat it with the care you would any other finish and it will last for years.

Shellac + wax
 

On Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 6:05:47 AM UTC-5, Michael wrote:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?

Thanks.

Dining table? Since you mentioned concerns of durability, I suspect there may be children in the family, hence dining tables are/can be targets for abuse. If you do subsequently have "damage", simply clean off the wax, repair the shellac finish, then topcoat with a more durable finish. Shellac readily accommodates top coating, of most finishes, that way.

Sonny

Shellac + wax
 

On 7/9/17 5:05 AM, Michael wrote:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?

Thanks.



I generally relegate shellac to non-abuse surfaces, things like boxes
and wall hangings. Shellac's kryptonite is alcohol, i.e. not a good idea
for a bar top, but it is exceptionally easy to repair and of course has
been used _forever_ as a finish for all manner of wood projects. Much
abuse on table tops is from scratching and this can be mitigated with
maintenance with wax.

It used to be inexpensive as well 8^(


-BR

Shellac + wax
 

On Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 8:18:44 AM UTC-5, Sonny wrote:
On Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 6:05:47 AM UTC-5, Michael wrote:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?

Thanks.

Dining table? Since you mentioned concerns of durability, I suspect there may be children in the family, hence dining tables are/can be targets for abuse. If you do subsequently have "damage", simply clean off the wax, repair the shellac finish, then topcoat with a more durable finish. Shellac readily accommodates top coating, of most finishes, that way.

Sonny

Thanks Sonny, Dr. Deb, and Brewster. The table will be in an artist studio and it will be used mostly to display objects but will likely see hot coffee/tea cups as well.

Shellac + wax
 

On 7/9/2017 11:44 AM, Michael wrote:
On Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 8:18:44 AM UTC-5, Sonny wrote:
On Sunday, July 9, 2017 at 6:05:47 AM UTC-5, Michael wrote:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?

Thanks.

Dining table? Since you mentioned concerns of durability, I suspect there may be children in the family, hence dining tables are/can be targets for abuse. If you do subsequently have "damage", simply clean off the wax, repair the shellac finish, then topcoat with a more durable finish. Shellac readily accommodates top coating, of most finishes, that way.

Sonny

Thanks Sonny, Dr. Deb, and Brewster. The table will be in an artist studio and it will be used mostly to display objects but will likely see hot coffee/tea cups as well.

Keep in mind that shellac does not do well with spilled and forgotten
alcoholic drinks.

Shellac + wax
 

Michael writes:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?


1) Use coasters. Clean up alcoholic drinks immediately.
2) Don't place hot items on the surface.

3) if you don't do the above, at least repair is simple.

Shellac + wax
 

On Monday, July 10, 2017 at 9:44:31 AM UTC-5, Scott Lurndal wrote:
Michael writes:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?


1) Use coasters. Clean up alcoholic drinks immediately.
2) Don't place hot items on the surface.

3) if you don't do the above, at least repair is simple.

Scott and Leon, Thanks for the info! I'll let the shop owner know.

Mike

Shellac + wax
 

On 7/10/2017 10:44 AM, Scott Lurndal wrote:
Michael writes:
For the first time, I used shellac and wax on a table top. It looks great, warm and deep. But I'm concerned about durability. What has been your experience?


1) Use coasters. Clean up alcoholic drinks immediately.
2) Don't place hot items on the surface.

3) if you don't do the above, at least repair is simple.

Even if you do mess it up, shellac is so forgiving. it easily repairs.

--
Jeff