Another rarely used item comes out of the closet.
A few weeks ago, you showed some sort of electric contrivance for transferring patterns. We have one of those but don't use it for anything other than removing dents in wood.
Now, shoe polish. I knew there had to be some sort of use for it.
But that "electrical contrivance" can take the wrinkles out of your workshop apron!
I actually found an old container of shoe polish that probably came from my grandfather - all rusted and caked, but the wax doesn't get old. And I do plan on having Dan back - hopefully soon. It makes me want to go back and finish all the carvings lying around my shop.
SealCoat is closer to a 2 lb cut (contains 21.7% solids according to MSDS sheet of the product). This is why diluting it 1:1 will result in a 1 lb cut.
Also SealCoat is completely wax free (contrary to Zinsser Shellac product). This is why it works well under or over any other finish. Regular shellac, which contains wax does not work).
Shoe polishes are indeed excellent, cheap finishes. They can be mixed together with a little denatured alcohol to arrive at any color you want. I use an old toothbrush to apply them. A hot hair dryer will melt the wax and allows it to penetrate deeper in the crevices and undercuts. I use a thin coat of clear acrylic spray as an overcoat.
Hello Mary,
I was under the impression that the Seal Coat was already a one pound cut. Their regular Shellac (also available in colors) is three pound cut. Yes? No?
Thanks,
tom
From what I understand from Dan, the off-the-shelf shellac is 3 lb. and he reduces it to 1 lb. by mixing his 1 to 1 with denatured alcohol. So, I will forward your question directly to Dan and he can respond.
Thank you for this very instructive video, Mary. Dan's techniques are quite a revelation to me after decades of avoiding learning complicated finishing methods. I was surprised that the basic use of shellac and good old shoe polish can accomplish so much and I' m going to try it soon! You and Dan are the Dynamic Didactic Duo of carving finishing. 😉 and I look forward to more lessons on finishing from you both in the future.
Happy Spring!
Neill in Montreal
I Just watched the finishing video featuring Mr. Hamilton and want to say that as always your presentation was very well done! I learned a lot in a very short period of time and look forward to experimenting with the techniques shown. Hopefully you'll have Mr. Hamilton back for a demonstration of other finish effects and techniques in the future.
Hi Rick,
Thanks! I do hope to have Dan back with more techniques to share. Normally I'm sort of a loner and it was fun to work with someone else once in a while.
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