finish for my tissue boxes please

[devonwoody]

In the past I have applied sanding sealer and waxed.

However my wax tin has run out, and thinking I have six boxes to finish at the moment and I am to be honest looking for an easier and less onerous application for hobby conditions.

I have heard the term poly used, would this be suitable for quick and easy hard-waring use.

 

[marcros]

what about a simple blonde shellac, brushed on. I would have suggested an oil, but you use ash and some light timber and it would yellow it. A couple of brush coats of shellac would be able to be completed quickly. Wax on top is optional, but wouldnt need to be any more than a 5 minute job per box (I use the Black Bison Paste Wax which is more or less wipe on, and buff straight away). I dont have any blonde shellac, but I can send you a bit of wax to try if you want?

 

[devonwoody]

OK, it seems what I am doing is most probably the way to go then. I'll purchase another tin of wax.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I think he meant you can use shellac without wax. Ive done that for years now and it works a treat. It causes the grain and figure to leap out, fills the pores of woods like oak and gives a subtle sheen. If you dont like it, you can then finish over the top with either wax or poly. Trouble with poly is that whilst durable, it is a bit on the shiny side!

Walk around any American middle class home and its shining like you wouldnt believe. English tastes are generally more understated..less gloss. Shellac on its own works fine. Its nothing like as fussy as french polish full blown and you can brush or cloth it on. Just try a sample on any off cut. It also drys really fast

 

[marcros]

yes, there will be a bit more shellac content in it than the sanding sealer. in fact you can dilute it and use it as sanding sealer.

 

[devonwoody]

OK, the penny has dropped. Use shellac, not sanding sealer. (hammer)