Uses of Shellac : used to hide defects in varnish and wood or eliminate the porosity of the plaster
Posted by admin | DIY, Home Accessories | Posted on August 23rd, 2010
Shellac is an organic resin secreted by a red insect that lives in Southeast Asia. It is highly used for musical instruments and varnish to hide bumps and defects in the wood. Its main advantage over other materials is the strength and protection provided to surfaces. However, its implementation process is slow and laborious. When varnished with this compound is necessary to repeat more than once.
Preparation:
Shellac is a varnish Traditional markets are in different formats : scales , bars or diluted and ready to apply. In any of them, is available in different colors that correspond to different species wood. Whenever working with this resin, it is essential to apply a darker tone than that of the surface to ensure a good finish.
The shellac flakes for their implementation requires advance preparation. It is necessary to mix three parts of alcohol of 96 ยบ on each side of varnish and let stand for at least 12 hours. To ensure homogeneity of the preparation, rotate and change the packaging on a regular basis. You will get a compact and smooth mixture.
Applications:
Wood and plaster are the surfaces most commonly used shellac. In the first, is used as varnish and to hide imperfections in the finish of this material. Enhances grain of wood and provides more brightness. In the case of plaster, shellac is used as a primer prior to remove its excessive porosity and securely grip the colors that are applied later.
Although it is possible to work with brush it is advisable to do so using a pad. This stretch cotton pad very thin coats of lacquer and avoid the appearance of furrows and marks caused by the brush.
The mechanics are simple. It is recommended that first-hand the crank pin, just loaded with product, and apply it in circles. Once the surface is dry, it takes one to two hours, “it is possible to repeat the process until you achieve the desired smooth finish and bright. It is essential to respect and drying times vary, from one hand to another , how the product is applied : first, circles, then in large eight and lines parallel to the direction of wood grain.
How to repair defects
When restores Wooden furniture is common that after pickling or cleaning, sign of cracks , subsidence and blows that were hidden. In addition to repair with wood putty , you can use shellac. Resin rod is required. It should melt without coming to a boil, with the help of a soldering iron. Next, fill the cracks with liquid shellac and let it dry until it thickens. Once the resin is solidified, the burrs must be removed with a scraper product. Finally, polish the surface with very fine sandpaper.