Laminating? paper labels to wood

[nprlisner]

I have a finishing question. I have some "antique looking" Jack Daniels bottle labels that I would like to laminate on the front of a cabinet. I'm not sure if laminate is the right word. The cabinet doors are painted. The labels are paper without an adhesive backing. How could I attach the labels and apply a clear finish (I assume multiple coats) and protect the look of the paper labels? Do I need spray equipment? I have brushed on shellac to finish children's painted toys. Is that an option or will shellac yellow the paper?

[John Grossbohlin]

This sounds like it would qualify as decoupage. See

[nprlisner]

I've never heard that term. I will look it up. Thanks.

[Andy Dingley]

Google for "decoupage"

It's a Victorian technique that goes through periodic revivals. You paint the timber (if required), stick the labels down, then coat with something transparent. Many repeats of coat-dry-rub down later, they've sunk into the surface. Some pieces have an entirely smooth surface, yours probably just need sealing and can be left slightly proud.

For adhesive use any suitable paste - wallpaper paste, gum arabic, white PVA.

For the transparent coating, definitely use blonde shellac. Shellac differs from modern varnish in that it's entirely solvent based, not a cure. Successive layers thus merge into each other seamlessly. Make sure it's well dried before rubbing down (hard in this weather). You might use a coat of button shellac (darker) at the finish, but stick with blonde for the "bodying". If you want a non-gloss finish, dull it out by rubbing with fine pumice on cloth.

You can also antique the final finish with a crackle finish based on hide glue (Google again)

Try it out with scrap first!