Shellac

[DC]

Question for you guys that use shellac to seal staves. Do you know what pound cut shellac you use? I can't get the premixed any more so I have to use flake and I'm not sure how thick to make it.

[Pat B]

I use spray cans but I don't cut a lot of staves.

[Hamish]

I do it by eye. For sealing staves you want it pretty thick. Put some flakes in a container, like a jam jar and pour in some spirits. Come back
 when the flakes have dissolved, test the mix. If its too thick for your liking, add more spirits  . Too thin add more flakes .

[Huntrick64]

I buy 3lb cut at lowes and then cut it in half with denatured alcohol.  So, 1.5lb cut for sealing staves.  Dried shellac flakes is premium shellac and expensive.  It use it when finishing, but not as a sealer.  I do two coats of the 1.5 lb cut drying completely between coats.  If it isn't old, it dries in about 10 minutes.

[DC]

I can't find premixed except in spray cans and it's really expensive so for the moment it's flakes.

[Pat B]

Premixed shellac has a short shelf life so don't buy too much at one time.
 I buy the cans because as little as I use the expense doesn't doesn't bother me. It is about $8 a can and a can last a long time for me. Being in a sealed can the shelf life is greatly extended.

[DC]

I knew you used spray cans so I went looking. A 12 US ounce can(341ml) of Zissners cost close to $20 at home Depot.