How to Repair Shellac Finish & Tint the Color: Shellac Amalgamation, a Fixing Furniture Restoration

The cabinet of this bookcase is different colors for some reason. The shellac finish has alligatored to a rough texture. One of the doors has come apart. The metal straps need some polishing. How do you fix all this? Scott Bennett is the owner of Wooden It Be Nice Furniture Repair. Watch how he carefully restores this barrister's bookcase.
The finish on this bookcase is shellac. It is a very repairable finish, so this project doesn't need the finish stripped off - it can be restored by using a technique called amalgamation. Shellac can also be tinted to work as a toner to change the color of the finish.
History - This bookcase was made between 1903 and 1926 in Stratford, Ontario. It was called the “elastic” bookcase, but this style of bookcase was liked by lawyers so much it became commonly known as a “barrister’s bookcase”. (See research articles below)
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LINKS:
Book - Classic Finishing Techniques - amzn.to/3Y0sATO
🇨🇦 Canadian link - amzn.to/3JBazHp
Natural Bristle Brushes - amzn.to/3wQoGkp
🇨🇦 amzn.to/3RuXLEd
Finisher's Colorwheel - amzn.to/3HPJxum
🇨🇦 amzn.to/3Yo6lHj
Garnet Shellac - amzn.to/40h3iSO
Note: purchases made with these links help contribute to our video production work
RESEARCH ARTICLES:
1905 Book Case Catalogue digital.cincinnatilibrary.org...
deepdoodoo.wordpress.com/2012...
www.therecord.com/life/2010/1...
www.stratford-perthcountybran...
www.thecavershamhouse.com/stra...
Fixing Furniture is not only a KZbin channel but it's also a membership community. Get access to videos before they're published on KZbin, watch all the videos without ads, get downloadable reference sheets, and participate in Fixing Furniture Live every two weeks. Learn more about membership at www.fixingfurniture.com
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See the tools we use in our workshop and the tools we recommend: www.amazon.com/shop/homeimpro...
🇨🇦 Canadian link - www.amazon.ca/shop/homeimprov...
Fixing Furniture is hosted by Scott Bennett, Owner of Wooden It Be Nice - Furniture Repair in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada. WoodenItBeNice.ca
#shellac #restoration #repair

[@pablon7444]

As I get older, I've developed a patience that helps me build some pretty cool stuff. But Scott's patience exceeds all limits :)

[@FixingFurniture]

Lol, yes, this isn't work for impatient people. Cheers. Scott

[@dandistefano623]

Yes, an important tool missing from my arsenal was patience. That makes a huge difference.

[@hendriksmit2069]

To me the most valuable was that you cleaned the original shelac finish, and added new shelac which bonded perfectly with the old finish. I would never have thought it could be done. Thank you !! I learnt a lot with this video 🇿🇦

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for sharing that Hendrik. Cheers. Scott

[@terristonewall9259]

I’m always so happy when I find a channel that actually RESTORES items to the original finish and not paint beautiful wood…

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to you appreciate that Terri! Cheers. Scott

[@craigbur9]

@@FixingFurniture please let me know how do you drw wood grain back in to real wook is Birchwood

[@craigbur9]

@@FixingFurniture what do I use

[@FixingFurniture]

Hi Craig. Here's a video showing details of matching stain, including several techniques for graining wood. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHfVZnSta72og6M

[@ertjiesb4158]

So true!! And half the time, they chalk paint and make it 'chippy' to make it look old...🙈

[@cliff8680]

Its great that you can renew a 100 year old finish.. looks awesome. I'm not much of a woodwork but I've used a few of your hints and tips. Thanks for the wonderful video's.

[@FixingFurniture]

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing that Cliff! Scott

[@rayvin357]

you are a woodworker

[@jill552]

Great restoration. So much patience. I love learning more about restoring shellac finishes.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you're enjoying our videos. Thanks for being a subscriber! Scott

[@Pixiepebbles74]

Amazing! I have learned so much from watching this video alone. Thank you!

[@crunruh]

I have a beautiful Gustav Sticky 701 cabinet from the early 20th century that I inherited. My mother had said that the sun had ruined the finish on a two sides and you can see and feel the crackled shellac where it was exposed. Other spots are finished like glass. I had thought too bad. It really shouldn't be refinished. I'd just live with the damage. Thanks to this video I now know that the finish can be restored. It would be unwise for me to start on such a piece with my current skill set, but at some point I will have that done, either by myself or some trustworthy professional. Thanks again.

[@kimberlym7609]

I’m addicted to rescuing old pianos I always just stripped it but now that I’ve seen your videos I can just restore the old shellac finish! I’m so excited that this is possible. I want to keep the history of these pieces intact and now I can. I have a 1938 Chickering grand piano that I’m going to restore using your technique! You’ve so thorough thanks for sharing! And it’s great to hear you’re in Ontario. I live in Manitoba. We have different products in Canada.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to hear you found this helpful and inspiring. Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@GT-yw8ue]

Autosol is by far the best finishing polish I’ve ever used. It’s good enough to use on large knives or swords as a finishing step. I think it even works on chrome well if I’m remembering correctly. Was pleased to see you using it hopefully you approved.

[@allendesomer]

So happy to see this piece come together with close attention to details on individual sections. I French polished a neighbor's family heirloom that had been previously repaired and refinished in an inauthentic way. That was a long journey. With this video, I got to watch someone else - more skillful than me - tackle a different kind of project in just an hour of my time, and I'm not tired at all! 🤣👍 Thank you. 🙏

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Allen. Thanks for your support by subscribing. Scott

[@chefsolidOriginal]

Amazing attention to detail and passion to get it right. Nice work!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much! And thank you for being a subscriber! Scott

[@johnlinker2773]

I've learnt so much watching your videos. Since subscribing to your channel a few years ago, I've restored our entire kitchen table and chairs set, plus several pieces at my workplace thanks to your tutelage. Thank you Scott for sharing your knowledge with the world. Cheers from New Zealand.

[@victoriareyes5748]

Why does this sooth my soul?? You and Tom Johnson are my favorites to watch, and I don't even restore furniture or ever plan to.

[@toddtonis]

Thanks for producing this video and showing how easy it is to work with shellac finishes, especially the repair. It seems that this old style finish has some definite advantages compared to modern finishes that will be more work and sanding to repair.

[@CivilDefenceCanada]

This was a great, informative and instructional video. We recently had an antique console radio refurbished and this is the exact process the restorer used. It turns out great and totally changes the look of a piece! Thank you for sharing!

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Your comment is rewarding for me to read. Thank you. Scott

[@cmmc3400]

Helpful hint...lighting is essential regarding color, tone, hue, saturation and effect. If you are working on a clients piece, ask them what type of light the piece will be seen in. Daylight, cool white, LED white, yellow or other, all are factors so you can really nail that look the client, or you, want with perfect light for the perfect color. To insure you are providing exactly what is expected, keep a variety of bulbs on hand to light the piece for a perfect result. Another aspect of lighting is if the item will be displayed near windows.

[@Flintlock1972]

This video allowed me to better understand the French Polish technique and relate it to my military experience, spit shining shoes and boots. Same concept, time, and motion, the less you rush the better the finish. I really enjoy your content, and thank you for the example.

[@TheMrchuck2000]

Great analogy!

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

Very nicely done. Probably the best restorer I've seen on youtube. I had never seen some of these tools before e.g. the small nail remover and probably the special scraper too - very nice stuff. One can see 70% of the design that went into the construction of these pieces. I wonder if there accurate drawings out there of theses designs that one could use to reproduce these. Current reproductions cost a fortune and I'm not sure they follow the exact same dimensions. It would be useful to have such drawings if one wants to make a replica e.g. to add to a current set or make a totally new set. These pieces are getting rarer and rarer and the thinking that went into making these makes them quite unique in terms of engineering. They are a great combination of economy, rigidity and aesthetics. The fact that they survive in such good condition after 100 years is a testament to this. Unfortunately, quite a lot of them get badly refinished or restored or are in very bad condition and many have ended up being scrapped. I wonder why you used the multiple passes of brushing with alcohol in order to restore the finish. That uses up a lot of alcohol. What would have happened if you had used steel wool to lightly rub the old finish instead? The steel wool absorbs some of the lacquer of course but would end up really bad?

[@FixingFurniture]

Hi Stelios. The reason for the multiple applications of the denatured alcohol is to get it to penetrate deeper into the shellac and re-amalgamate the finish. Using steel wool would make a mess in a hurry as the finish would gum up... that would be one method of stripping the shellac off, alcohol and steel wool. I hope that answers your question. Cheers. Scott

[@Stelios.Posantzis]

@@FixingFurniture Thanks for replying. It makes sense. I have never tried working with shellac, hence my question.

[@MortimerSugarloaf]

Hey there. Love your channel, man. Such a wealth of info. Maybe I can return the favor. I noticed you worrying about cutting into the wood when chiseling off the old glue, and I have a suggestion that you might find handy. Grab a crummy old chisel and grind a much higher bevel on it. Maybe even close to 90 degrees. You'll be able to maintain a sharpened edge to attack the glue, but that bevel will never dive into the wood. Might even save you a little time since you won't have to go quite so gingerly. Keep up the awesome work, dude.

[@chrisb2557]

You gotta love what you do to have the patience you do. I recently recieved a 1800s dining table and chairs and late 1800s piano. Bellows piano. Now i have a few ideas to restore and not destroy.

[@user-gv9vo9yu9h]

Thank you so much for this video! I acquired a set of art deco furniture that has decorative decals. Fortunately, the finish was shellac, which I identified due to your finish i.d. video and then repaired with alcohol.

[@DaveHerrald]

I can’t explain how excited I am to see this in my feed today. I have one of these sitting next to me. Mine is a 298 quarter-sawn “tiger” oak. Testing showed mine to be lacquer on the outside, shellac on the inside. I’ll be in touch for some pay-for consulting :-)

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, that's cool. I suspect it will look even better than this bookcase when you're done as the quarter-sawn oak will really look sharp. I look forward to meeting you! Cheers. Scott

[@empressche333]

Same here! I have a large barrister out of quartersawn oak, and the finish has flaked off! I need to restore it, but not sure what’s next.

[@stevesthemepark2798]

We just watched this video. We have a 1940's front and back bar to restore. Mostly shellac on oak. It is very "alligated". After watching, we are certainly going to experiment with the denatured alcohol treatment tomorrow. It is a 40' bar and would take a long time to do what you did with the bookcase, but man we would love to do it up like you did. Perhaps doing the denatured treatment will get us close enough to reviving this beautiful bar. Applying the new shellac may be more than we can take on, however one step at a time. Thank you for the guidance and inspiration. Too bad you are not near us at Acadia National Park!!!

[@nmp6338]

This turned out lovely. You are a natural teacher. Your explanations and demonstrations are clear, concise and easily followed. I thoroughly enjoy watching a master craftsman at work. I have gained a lot of knowledge that has a practical application. As a former antique dealer, I still collect antique furniture for my own home. What I have learned by watching many of your videos has become invaluable to me.

[@FixingFurniture]

Well thank you. I love to hear that you're learning from these videos. I find that rewarding and motivating. Thanks. Scott

[@debmuel]

Beautiful work. You are a true artist.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for being a subscriber Deb! I appreciate your support. Scott

[@renoholland7090]

A few days ago I bought an antique walnut drop-leaf table at a garage sale. It was in poor condition and it showed signs of recent repairs. Someone has used a pneumatic gun and shot staples in the joints in a effort to make it sturdy. I bought with the intention to re-purpose the wood, so it didn't really matter. I thought of you when I took it apart while shaking my head.

[@beulahmcgraw5213]

That alligator finish was a long standing mystery until you showed me how to fix it. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@tedlym.3390]

The Barrister's bookcase looked beautiful when you finished restoring the finish. Thank you,

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@scooteroo]

Really appreciate your approach. Love to work wood, but finishing is scary, repairing finish even more so. Thanks much!

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you like it Scott. Yes, finishing can be intimidating as there's a lot to know and get experience with. Cheers

[@annikadson]

Wonderful work you are doing have seen quite a few of your nice videos. You must be a trained pedagogue because you take all your knowledge so pedagogically. It is a joy to follow you and your work. Lots of hugs from Gothenburg in Sweden.

[@travel734]

Good to see someone reamalgamating shellac finishes. As you said it is a lost art. I noticed that you were scraping old glue with a chisel. I always worry about "pushing" glue off. Following Thomas Johnson's technique I have started to use some of the smaller Bahco scrapers (Lee Valley sell them)

[@thomaslavery7760]

Very much like “spit shining” shoes or boots to a mirror finish - think military. Fine job!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Thomas! Scott

[@samanthav563]

I don't hate paint, but I do have a pet peeve for thick layers of paint just painted over and over!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Samantha

[@annebierce5280]

I have a similar bookcase, one of my few pieces that doesn’t need work, but don’t worry this video will be very helpful on my other pieces that have similar problem

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful Annie! Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@theoldbear4213]

Hah! My grandfather found one of these bookcases at a fleamarket in the 80s! Never knew what it was called, just thought it looked cool. Sounds like he was lucky to find one that had been bought all in one matching color lol

[@clifflewis-yq3lw]

New subscriber here. It's such a pleasure to watch a true craftsman at his work.

[@jugglinglivebabies]

I’ve owned several sets of old globe wernicke barrister’s bookcases, and the set I loved the most had been painted. I think it’s important to realize that not all antiques need to be kept in their original state to be enjoyed. That said, I love your work.

[@Wordsnwood]

Just picked a set off the street last weekend and found your video when looking for guidance... Didn't seem like a shellac finish on mine though, I'll have to look again.

[@helenabrandstrom9851]

Tank you so musch for sharing tour knowledge with us. I am so glad every time there is a new video from you. I try out some of the techniques in my hobby workshop at my home in Sweden.

[@josephkerley363]

The finish product of the cabinet was very nice. You color matched it just right. This retired sailor though was wanting to see that brass nice and shiny with Brasso ...LOL... but I get not making it so. Well done.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it. Scott

[@131dyana]

Wonderful rebuild. LOved this.

[@lawrencepartridge5805]

I've watched tons of furniture restoration and refinishing videos from top professionals on KZbin, and this video is one of the most masterful I have ever seen. Wonderful skill, and a carefully done beautiful restoration.

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thank you! Glad you enjoyed our video… there’s 80+ more to watch too. Cheers. Scott

[@mhortamhorta]

Absolutely amazing.

[@judithbengochea4146]

We have a bedroom set that has exactly the same problem. My daughter and I have been discussing what to do off and on for about 5 years. I can't wait to tell her I have found the solution! Thank you very much!

[@1029tbarton]

So beautiful!

[@cydmack4074]

Beautiful work! Thank you

[@melissabarron1574]

I have a set of four, base and top. Found them on the side of the road. The only thing missing is a piece of glass ☹️ thank you for sharing. I look forward to using your technique. Thank you! 🐝

[@giorgiaw]

Beautiful work 👏

[@shawnsmith3531]

Happy when i see a new video loaded! Thanks!

[@martharosegordon8278]

Amazing. Simply gorgeous!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Fantastic video. Very helpful!

[@Elwingish]

I adore your calm, informative, patient videos.

[@davip5876]

Very interesting piece ! Nice work !

[@pennymoreland9602]

Absolutely love your channel!! Great job, I loved watching you fix the alligator finish. Beautiful work!

[@bluesfool1]

That came out really nice 👍

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@brettkaufman2299]

Thank you for this video -- learning a lot! Clamp spread techniques, vinegar to loosen Hyde glue and some shellac nuancess. (and I'm not even 30min into ). 😀 Thank you. Watching this before a side cabinet restore that I prefer not to strip.

[@renoholland7090]

Great video, as always. Over time I have learned a lot from you.

[@megwolff58]

So much information to be grateful for, thanks! Your clear instruction is always appreciated.

[@megangumkowski3181]

This is gorgeous 😍 I would love to have a piece like this!

[@tammy707]

Fantastic video! I learned a lot. Thank you!!

[@dandistefano623]

Just wonderful, thank you!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that Dan! Scott

[@brettyoung8328]

What a great job. Thank you for showing and explaining the process. Looks terrific.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Scott

[@crpalardy824]

06/20/23; Good job, I have found that "Durhams Water Putty" works well for me, however, less work time. Mix with carpenter glue give a better texture to plane, however , (again) I use hard block sanding to square or round surface. Also takes stain better.

[@kuhboom22]

I'm really enjoying your longer content these days!

[@robertlivingstone3947]

Great to see you back ,ice job good video

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Robert. I took a break over the holidays and it takes weeks to film/edit together a project. Glad you enjoyed it. Scott

[@crowznest438]

You are rapidly jumping to the top of my list of restorers, through detail and concise explanations.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Jeanne. I appreciate that! Scott

[@TheRealFOSFOR]

Lovely. It's amazing how you got the colors to match.

[@thomgray8565]

Wow very well done you have made the process understandable. Thank you for your time

[@caroltanzi29]

Scott: I’ve seen these pieces in several client’s offices. However, this one is a gorgeous piece that you restored. It looks great in your living room. As an interior designer, I’m looking forward to the day that your living room will be designed and decorated to your liking so we can see it in its entirety. A beautiful job. And thank you for the little tips that you share with us along the way. Carol from California

[@binnad7091]

I love your videos so much, and you've helped me rescue multiple pieces of old wood furniture now! I have stripped the paint off several vintage and antique pieces. Now I'm trying my first shellac repair on a 1940s wardrobe. I know I saw you mix shellac from flakes for one of these videos, but I can't for the life of me remember which one. Could you point me in the right direction? Is there a "how to shellac" start to *finish* video in our future? (see what I did there?) Or maybe it's already there and I missed it...? Anyway, thank you for TEACHING people how to properly repair furniture. You are a treasure!

[@FixingFurniture]

That's a good suggestion, and I loved your pun. I should create a video about shellac... I have a repair in my backlog where I can include that. Here's a clip from an existing video that gives some high level detail that may help you out... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWfUaYp4rsl6aK8

[@nannettenannettek9545]

What a difference you were able to make with this bookcase! Great job!

[@christopherness81]

Great video. The crown royal bag is a favorite Canadiana storage device in our house too.

[@johnapplegate1472]

Such a pleasure to watch a craftsman at the top of his game.

[@RychaardRyder]

beautiful work man! I hope one day I can afford a workshop setup to do this

[@raycimbalnik5159]

I love these videos!

[@FixingFurniture]

I'm happy to hear that! Thank you for being a subscriber. We appreciate your support! Scott

[@paleulfr4023]

Looks beautiful. I have a barrister's bookcase that looks like the before picture. heheh

[@LuBullara]

I appreciate your furniture repair videos so much. Thank you for sharing your skills.

[@FixingFurniture]

You’re welcome. Happy to help

[@bobwallace6812]

What I found valuable in this video, was you explained every detail and showed the actual products, ie their cans: labels and the explicit detail. I find it inspiring to le as rn from you. Again thank you, from a viewer in Maryland.

[@dawnc5355]

Thank you for another wonderful tutorial.

[@FixingFurniture]

You are so welcome!

[@marideanwarthan]

Im so glad i found this video! I was given an antique dining table that has horrible crackling and discoloration. Im so excited to try out french polish and fresh shellac in spots to even the color. Hopefully it will help the dresser they gave me too.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mahmoudomara5421]

Thanks for another great video, Scott. It feels really good to watch you fixing furniture. I learn a lot from the information and techniques you share with us. I wish you and yours all the best. Thanks again and take care.

[@peachstreetrestyle2518]

This is an excellent instructional video and very masterful restoration of the bookcase!

[@kathleenmaloney4927]

Your precision as you work is amazing! I truly enjoy watching you work!!!😊

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Expedient_Mensch]

In this episode, what I found most valuable was the finishers wheel. It's something completely new to me. Subscribed and All.

[@gardeninsite]

Very impressive work! Thanks for such detailed information with the techniques.

[@sandybarnes007]

I have no wood skills, but I find this of great interest, particularly in the area of wood refinishing/repair.

[@mariushegli]

I have nothing to say really, but I appreciate your content, and wish to help with the yt-algorithms.

[@anthonychavez3742]

Nicely done ✅

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Anthony! Cheers. Scott

[@executivepainting5445]

Amazing craftsmanship and artistry

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for that and thank you for being a subscriber! Scott

[@pitsnipe5559]

Quite nice!

[@Wish_I_Wood]

🤠 I was amazed at how easy it is to return the rough texture shellac back to smooth. I wish I had known this on the last piece I worked on instead of stripping it down. Great information on the whole process and a beautiful stackable book case.

[@mtnbiker310]

What a terrific restoration, taking the necessary time and techniques to get a great result. Thanks for your videos. I restored a couple of chairs recently using techniques that you've demonstrated.

[@cmmc3400]

New sub, I belled, saved, thumbed up and commented. WOW....nice work. I love the appreciation for the age and history of a good piece of furniture. I was happy to learn this piece is a match to one of my own. I just inherited the unit and hope to restore it or have it done locally. Thanks for the lessons and the enjoyable format.

[@patbolstad3701]

Beautiful ❤

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! 😊

[@donaldshields2483]

Another good job looks very nice you do excellent work and I enjoy watching you so keep up the good work and I will keep watching god bless

[@alberttibbets6567]

Very nice camera work to show the finish as it changes.

[@geraldmellon740]

Really enjoying your channel - the pace is perfect with no music to distract. Brilliant. Peace from Glasgow in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad to hear you're enjoying it Gerald. Thanks for sharing that. Cheers. Scott 🇨🇦

[@cobberpete1]

Another fine job. As you opened up, I thought... Full strip down. But you know better and showed us the Master you are 😎. I have Bees and make my own polish but also have the Gilboys range to add that little bit extra where a subtle 'Tint' is needed.

[@jomercer21113]

Lacquer on top of all that shellac is removeable in the future with a little scuff sanding and application of alcohol. I do it all the time with antique sewing machine cabinets that have been slathered with varnish and paint over the years. It's a pain in the neck to have to deal with, but it is possible to rescue. Great job!

[@FixingFurniture]

Really? I've never been able to dissolve lacquer with alcohol, only lacquer thinner. I'd be happy to be proven wrong. Thanks for sharing that tip Jo! Scott

[@jomercer21113]

@@FixingFurniture It's not alcohol dissolving the lacquer--it's getting alcohol in under the lacquer through the scuff sanding to dissolve the shellac beneath, and the lacquer comes up with it.

[@FixingFurniture]

Oh, I understand what you mean now. Thank you for explaining that Jo! Cheers. Scott

[@krzysztofccc2705]

Dziękuję za mądry i pouczający film. Zdrowia i powodzenia życzę

[@FixingFurniture]

Szczęśliwy, że ci się podobało. Dziękuję Ci. Scott