brushed shellac vs. padding

[Andrew]

I have been reading quite a bit on applying shellac. One thing I keep coming back to is the padding method. I understand you pad on a thin coat, then when you've reached the end, go back to where you started and repeat process several times. I haven't worked up the courage to try it, but I have been brushing with #1.5 with okay results. I understand once you lay down a layer don't go back and brush anymore because shellac dries so quickly. My question is why can't I simulate the padding method with a brush? Not the result, just the method. By that I mean brush on the first layer, then when I've finished the surface go back to the beginning and repeat, like padding. I've only read about brushing on 1 layer then wait.

[Andrew]

I have been reading quite a bit on applying shellac. One thing I keep coming back to is the padding method. I understand you pad on a thin coat, then when you've reached the end, go back to where you started and repeat process several times. I haven't worked up the courage to try it, but I have been brushing with #1.5 with okay results. I understand once you lay down a layer don't go back and brush anymore because shellac dries so quickly. My question is why can't I simulate the padding method with a brush? Not the result, just the method. By that I mean brush on the first layer, then when I've finished the surface go back to the beginning and repeat, like padding. I've only read about brushing on 1 layer then wait.

[Andrew]

I have been reading quite a bit on applying shellac. One thing I keep coming back to is the padding method. I understand you pad on a thin coat, then when you've reached the end, go back to where you started and repeat process several times. I haven't worked up the courage to try it, but I have been brushing with #1.5 with okay results. I understand once you lay down a layer don't go back and brush anymore because shellac dries so quickly. My question is why can't I simulate the padding method with a brush? Not the result, just the method. By that I mean brush on the first layer, then when I've finished the surface go back to the beginning and repeat, like padding. I've only read about brushing on 1 layer then wait.

[Andrew]

I have been reading quite a bit on applying shellac. One thing I keep coming back to is the padding method. I understand you pad on a thin coat, then when you've reached the end, go back to where you started and repeat process several times. I haven't worked up the courage to try it, but I have been brushing with #1.5 with okay results. I understand once you lay down a layer don't go back and brush anymore because shellac dries so quickly. My question is why can't I simulate the padding method with a brush? Not the result, just the method. By that I mean brush on the first layer, then when I've finished the surface go back to the beginning and repeat, like padding. I've only read about brushing on 1 layer then wait.

[Dave Balderstone]

It's beyond "okay results".

Pad, or pad not. There is no "try".

djb

[George]

With the pad you can get rid of marks by adding a lubricant to the pad - French polishing.

You can also sit at the dining room table or the table in the ready room and watch TV while you're polishing.

[Bob Bowles]

[Australopithecus scobis]

I've been trying out a yardsale hairdrier to move warm air over the shellacked piece. Helps the "flash" in my chilly workshop. Can't get too close nor too hot, else the alcohol makes blisters.

[Andrew]

I can do this at the dining table/watching TV because there is less harmful vapors with padding comparaed to brushing? Or what is the reason?

[George]

Start to finish capability before halftime.

Ability to jump up and go on a run by throwing the rag on the table and putting the tip on a squeeze bottle.

And then there's the beauty and depth of finish ....

[Australopithecus scobis]

You want the solvent to go away fast so you can put on another thin coat. I don't yet understand why that's better than putting on a thick coat and waiting longer. The payoff might be that the drying time increases exponentially with thickness of coat.

[Thomas Bunetta]

Patience, grasshopper. Finishing well can hone the edge of patience. If the shop is chilly, how about one of the halogen work lights... cheap, a source of illumination and a chance for a tan! Tom

[Australopithecus scobis]

I tried an incandescent, but that was too hot.

During warm weather, putting on all those coats is fun. (That sounds odd...)

Then there was the time I mistook my tub of oil+rottenstone for my tub of shellac+pumice, and tried to fill the grain. Not only didn't it work, but the shellac rubbed off. Whoops.

[Thomas Bunetta]

Feces occurs! But Ill bet it was SMOOOOTH! Tom

[George]

Of course, but padding also consolidates the finish better than laying a thicker film and hoping consolidation can outrace evaporation.

No sanding between coats, either.

[tiredofspam]