Shellac Shack

Repairing White Rings in Shellac Finishes

Removing white rings
Water rings can often be removed, the success depending on the condition of the finish, how long the ring has been there, and how deep into the finish the water has penetrated.
Care must be taken when attempting this procedure as you are using alcohol to fix a problem, and alcohol is also the solvent used to liquefy this particular finish. You can create unevenness in the finish if  you 'work' too hard. The trick is to start off very cautiously and observe how the finish responds.
Here is the procedure:
Get a small soft cotton rag and form it into a small pad, such that there are no folds on the working surface. Lightly dampen the working surface of the cloth with denatured alcohol - start with very little. Wipe the effected area lightly in a motion like you landing a airplane on the finish and taking off again - just kissing the surface. Do not rub hard. You will have the cloth dampened enough with alcohol that it leaves the appearance of a comet's tail trailing as you wipe. The comet's tail is caused by the alcohol evaporating.
If you do not see the comet's tail you can add more alcohol, but pay close attention to what is happening. If you notice that your pad begins to stick upon 'landing', stop or move to another area of the ring. You don't want the pad to stick as that indicates that you are beginning to dissolve the finish.
If you find you are not affecting the ring, it may be deep in the finish and you should probably consult a professional refinisher.
If you remove the white ring and you see a dark ring in it's place, that means the wood has been damaged.
This may need a professional refinisher also.

Shellac and water bourne finishes

 

Shellac works great as a barrier coat between oil stains and water bourne top coats.

There is often a situation where oil-based stains are used in conjunction with a water bourne top coat. This can create a problem of adhesion. At the least, the stain will need to cure for 4 or 5 days for the finish to bond properly. If, however you were to apply the stain, allow it to dry overnight, then apply a coat of dewaxed shellac, you could move ahead with the water bourne topcoat within several hours.

Water based finishes tend to have a 'cool' look, even over a stain. A coat of dewaxed shellac before the waterbourne top coat will help 'warm up' the end result.

 

Shellac works great as a barrier coat between oil stains and water bourne top coats.

There is often a situation where oil-based stains are used in conjunction with a water bourne top coat. This can create a problem of adhesion. At the least, the stain will need to cure for 4 or 5 days for the finish to bond properly. If, however you were to apply the stain, allow it to dry overnight, then apply a coat of dewaxed shellac, you could move ahead with the water bourne topcoat within several hours.

Water based finishes tend to have a 'cool' look, even over a stain. A coat of dewaxed shellac before the waterbourne top coat will help 'warm up' the end result.