Learn How to Get a Beautiful Shellac Finish

Here are the tools and tips needed to get a great shellac finish on any of your furniture or woodworking projects.

[Devil-Made]

Years on and I just want to let you know that I found this video extremely helpful. I’m just getting started with woodworking and I actually just made a mobile workbench with a shellac finish on top. First time using shellac (poly for nearly everything prior to this), and I love it. People will probably criticize me for using shellac on a workbench, but I think the pros outweigh the cons for me. And it’s good practice.

Your video was great and I’ll be watching more. I don’t know if you’re still making videos, but 8 years later this one at least has made an impact. Thank you!

[fredpierce]

For some reason, I never thought to use an applicator pad as a smoothing out method after brushing on the shellac. I knew such pads were used in French Polishing but I failed to see the value on ALL brushing applications. Thanks for waking me up on this simple but effective technique!

[darbinorvar]

The frames came out great Jon! Glad you had a chance to use the wax polish. Your bees make a very yellow wax.

[TheSGUSA]

Best information so far regarding French Polish. Thanks a whole bunch!

[TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Shellac is a great finish, one of my favorites and I completely agree about buying flakes - Great video Jon.

[dustyandsneezing]

I thought I was going to see an amateur trying to teach the world about finish work but I'm surprised. You know what you're talking about sir, and you did a good job. I like your paintings, too :)

[DIYTyler]

Great explanation Jon, have never used shellac but would like to give it a try. Apparently it's not as durable as poly or lacquer? Really like the applicator idea, going to use that for stain!

[BruceAUlrich]

Such good instruction! I like the way it turned out. I actually didn't know you could make your own shellac.

[MakeCrazydays]

Great video.  And I like the idea of storing the applicator and brush.  That is the hardest part.  I always forget to dip the brush in alcohol before using it.  I'm going to have to get a couple mason jars in the shop for that now.

thanks for the tips man, good on you sir, from Ireland

[USNERDOC]

Well done! I have been watching your channel for a while and I really enjoy your style and content. Thanks!

[chemcody]

Nicely done Jon and you explained it so even I could understand it!
I will have to try it.

[brucehumphrey]

Great info Jon, thanks for taking the time to record and post.

[kevinfreeman]

Excellent packed with tons of great advice!

[JulianPaulJonesSfatcu]

I love your teaching ! I really appreciate it ! Thank you very much !

[sjbl]

Jon, very informative and entertaining video. I need to start making some picture frames (my wife has some projects that she needs some frame for). Thanks for posting.

[petergwatts]

Nice presentation of intelligent know how. Like your simplicity of one third two third wing it mix. Most presenters seem to complicate that stuff. Happy New Year

[johnconklin]

Looks great Jon. I've only tried shellac once and it dried so quickly that it left junky lap marks where it basically got 2 coats. I recently rubbed out some deft spray lacquer with steel wool and minwax furniture wax and it came out very good.

[rickywalden]

Good informative video, Jon.  Thanks for the information on shellac.

[pedrosoto]

Great video Jon. Thanks for the lesson on shellac and on the applicator :)