Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: cutty on April 05, 2018, 10:49:17 pm

Title: Finishes
Post by: cutty on April 05, 2018, 10:49:17 pm
Can you put a coat of shellac inbeween coats of spar erethane to get a better shine?
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: Pat B on April 05, 2018, 11:00:42 pm
The outside surface is where the shine comes from, light reflecting from a smooth surface.
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: JW_Halverson on April 05, 2018, 11:03:50 pm
Best to stick to one choice of material.  If you layer different types of finishes, they can debond from each other and flake off.  Don't ask how I know this.
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: jeffp51 on April 05, 2018, 11:38:57 pm
how do you know this?  (sorry, couldn't help myself) )-w( :D
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: cutty on April 06, 2018, 12:07:28 am
Shellac would be a poor last coat, wouldn’t it? As far as moisture barrier?
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: Julian on April 06, 2018, 01:16:48 am
Shellac would be a poor last coat, wouldn’t it? As far as moisture barrier?

you might look into french polishing with shellac. time consuming but by applying successive coats diluted with alcohol, and sanding the high spots each time, you can get a very attractive shine. Then perhaps finish with spray urethane, to seal.
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: osage outlaw on April 06, 2018, 01:19:12 am
Shellac is used as a "base coat" sometimes.  Most finishes will stick to it.  Im not sure about the other way around.
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: Mesophilic on April 06, 2018, 02:30:07 am
A base coat of real tung oil will help make the grain pop and glow.  I've been real pleased with a couple of coats of tung oil thinned 50% with mineral spirits, let dry for a few days between coats, then varnish over the top.  Not to be confused with tung oil "finish" like Formby's (recommend reading up on tung oil, pros and cons,  and how to apply first). 
Title: Re: Finishes
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on April 06, 2018, 08:58:47 am
If you want shine I would suggest Minwax wipe on gloss poly. Its a mirror after 3-4 coats on a well prepared surface. My advice is to keep in mind what finishes are oil/rub in and what are surface treatments. You don't want a finish that is meant to be rubbed into wood over top of a surface finish like poly or urethane. But, the opposite works fine. Oil rubbed in first, then a surface treatment.