Can the Can(ned) Shellac

Canned shellac is convenient, but if you want more control over your finish you'll need to mix your own. In this video, executive art director Mike Pekovich shows you how easy it is to make a batch of shellac from flakes.

[@oldguy7402]

Outstanding video. Have watched many others, and in a short time you shared practical info with no fluff. Love the info about using heavy flake mixture and diluting it for immediate use and tips on how to tell if it is too thin or thick by the characteristics of a test coat, not having to resort to measuring equipment. Thanks!

[@MRrwmac]

I watch a lot of woodworking videos, have made some furniture for my home and seen many people discuss finishes with shellac. However, this video of yours really impressed me with your explanation and demonstration to the point of feeling the surface. Thank you for an excellent video.

[@williambranham6249]

I love your videos. No fluff, just the facts man. I have had a love hate relationship with shellac for many years because I misunderstood how desirable a thin cut is . For years I would use heavy cuts, (creates a mess with runs and weird lines) and 2 coats , let it dry overnight then sand back till smooth, then go up through the grits and steel wool etc. Wow, lots of work. But the reason for this was I didn't think using a thin cut would allow enough buildup for adequate protection without taking a lot of time. Thin is in for me now. Life is better. Thank you.

[@ramongibbs8692]

Excellent demonstration, you've outlined better than others I've viewed in decades. Thanks

[@troykloszynski8050]

thanks so much for this information 👍 so glad I took the time to watch this video. Great presentation and extremely helpful

[@jfinaz99]

Thanks very much for sharing your experience and knowledge with us. I'll save the link and watch it again for sure.

[@jameskass4415]

Thanks so much for teaching this, Mike, I now use it on all my projects and the results are fantastic. Would never have figured this out on my own, but really easy to apply. Bug goo, who would have thought?!

[@michaelfeierstein4915]

I was always worried about using shellac, because I had no instruction, but I wanted to try because my grandfather was a big fan of it. Thanks for the tips!

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, that is a fast finish. Thanks for sharing. Scott

[@erichaltomwoodworking7363]

Good info, thanks! I like how you desolve the concentrated cut for future use. Good idea.

[@jake8074]

Moses sent me... and I always listen to Moses! Best to you and yours!!

[@bwhite661]

Awesome video. Very well explained and the way you mix the two different batches of shelac is very practical and easy. And then the way you explain how to determine if you have the right consistancy in your final mix is very helpful. Just like cooking its better to get a feeling for the right amt of ingredients.

[@matthewlawson884]

Excellent video. Thank you

[@plakor6133]

Thanks! Very useful information.

[@jimluker3396]

I really like to use a coat or two of this on the end grain of wood before applying stain. For instance on big box store pine, the end grain of the wood absorbs so much stain that it turns way darker than the face grain does. The shellac gets in there and seals up the grain so that it absorbs a lot less stain, just like the face grain does. The end result is a more evenly stained piece of wood. Try it out on some scrap! Also a big fan of pre-stain conditioner, (Thanks 731 Woodworks), I won't stain without it!

[@moonbug1963]

what a great video! THANK YOU!!!

[@kevinfreeman2293]

Thanks I learned a tremendous amount

[@iDesignMemoriesWP]

Nicely explained. Making some cedar side tables and will give this a try.

[@J03Nelson]

very helpful. thanks.

[@FranksDIY]

Great tips Thank you.