Okay to put polyurethane over shellac?

Apr 03, 2004 5 Replies

I?m getting ready to finish a cherry kitchen buffet. I?m thinking of using a few coats of shellac first for the color and to seal and fill the wood - followed by satin polyurethane to protect it. Any problem with this approach? I like using shellac because it dries so fast.



Thanks, Scott



Polyurethane over shellac is OK as long as the shellac is dewaxed.

I always use 4 parts alchohol to 1 part dewaxed shellac after staining and before polyurethaning. It seals the wood (Some folks call it sizing). and raises the grain, allowing me to make it slick and smooth. It works well as a finish too. I have used it on some kids toys too.

John

You'll be fine, IF the shellac is dewaxed.

Dewaxed shellac can be bought as flakes, Zinnser Sealcoat, or Zinnser aerosol spray clear. Zinnser canned orange and clear contain wax and should not be used under polyurethane.

Dewaxed shellac is a great barrier coat between different finishes.

Barry

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