Finishing with Shellac | Paul Sellers

[@wadepatton2433]

I always enjoy watching the Master. Part of this enjoyment is that he is satisfied with his work and position and is NOT constantly trying to sell himself or any products. He doesn't beg for responses or subscribers. But mostly because he fully understands what he is doing (and most of the other ways of doing it) and is very good at articulating this to the student. Thanks again, to all involved in the making of these videos.

[@green_building]

Wade Patton, 100% true ! youre so deep 👍👍

[@TermiteUSA]

Could not agree more!

[@samueldavis5895]

He’s literally the best and for me there’s no debate.

[@wadepatton2433]

I don't know who "wp2433" is but I wrote the above and still feel that way. Just came to see latest reply and saw my name wasn't as it normally shows. I am Wade Patton.

[@chadsmiley5485]

I haven't watched a Paul Sellers video in a while, it is one of the most informational and relaxing uses of time that I can find on the internet. Paul, you have layed the foundation of my fine woodworking, and I look forward to learning more

[@tchevrier]

because of Paul, I tried using shellac for the first time. I first used a 2lb mix and a foam brush. It left a lot of streaks and brush marks because of how fast it dries. Much more sanding than when using poly. I tried thinning it to 1lb and it was a bit better. Then I tried using a soft rag to apply it and I found that was a better option than a brush. The final product is very nice though, and the speed at which it dries is obviously a big bonus.

[@jefferywarburton2116]

I have had bad luck with foam brushes. They soak up a lot of the finish and when you try get it back they produce bubbles and begin to come apart.

[@suezumberge]

Is shellac with water base and oil base. What is the best brush.

[@tchevrier]

@@suezumberge Shellac is alcohol based. I would use a rag to apply it, but I'm just learning.

[@tomjeffries58]

I'm just finishing a #26 I just restored with shellac. I've been using shellac my entire life as a finish. I'm 70 years old and my father loved shellac as the finish for the trim and wood work in our house and I did a lot of 'shellacing' and I took a couple but I still learned a couple pointers from the expert after all these years.. Love it. Thank you, Mr. Sellers.

[@bighands69]

Shellac and various oils are fantastic natural finishes.

[@sebuteo]

As ever, I just love the slow unhurried pace of these videos. Also great for learning about shellac, obviously. And then there's Paul's work, which is, as ever, a work of art. Fab!

[@leobaltz2057]

Paul, you are the most amazing teacher. I am subscribed to 100's of wood working channels and none can hold a candle to you. you detail every step taken and describe each with such precision to the point that we can imagine it in our heads. Amazing, simple amazing! Wish I could study under you!!

[@DanTheManIOM]

Definitely a master class ! I found it very similar to the way my dad polished his shoes, - shoe polish and horsehair brush ! --- I know this is 7 years old, but that bench is just beautiful !

[@MrStatic101]

This was such a great help, I can build a lot of things but I'm clueless when it comes to finishing it. This video was a huge help. Thank you

[@watermain48]

I believe that listening to Paul describe what he's doing provides as much as watching him. He'd be a great story teller.

[@SalFazelkhan]

You are not only a great woodworker. You are also a great teacher. Thank you

[@markforrestsm]

Humble as always Paul. It's a pleasure watching you work and sharing your wealth of experience. Thank you!

[@jamthejust]

As a novice, this is the only time I've seen someone use the steel wool and wax. Thank you so much. So many people say it but no one shows it.

[@marcocavaco3150]

Such humbleness is the source (or maybe even the result, if I would go in the phylosophy way) of true mastery and skill. Amazing display of work Sir Paul. And regarding being thankfull, it's us that should say thank you!

[@donaldhammond516]

Have been looking at many demos and this has made it an easy way to to tackle my item.

[@lanceo1690]

This is really helpful. I am quite clueless when it comes to finishing projects. I would like to see similar videos for varnish or poly. Thank you!

[@desredmon]

Paul, thank you for taking the time to explain each of the coats and the goals for each step. Very good video!

[@djpenton779]

I just started using shellac for finishing. I really enjoy it.

[@Mac2474]

That stool reminds me so much of the first school project that the class had to make, the idea being that it would be used when going to watch Plymouth Argyll if playing at home - something the sit on at half-time and something to stand on during the match (we were only small then).

[@bighands69]

Back when Britain was still Britain and not a wannabe foreign state.

[@thomasarussellsr]

Lovely bench/stool. I've never sat through a whole brush-on video before, but something about you makes it interesting.

[@jakeerussell7496]

He has that magic.

[@softdorothy]

The reason Paul is a master is that he understands subtlety. Too many new wood workers think contrasting walnut and maple is the way to make an eye-catching piece. Paul will show you the beauty and elegance in an understated wood craft. I admire the tone of the wood, the construction, the joinery. Subtley.

[@designertjp-utube]

Luv your Name. It's Catchy! Was amazing how Paul instantly immortalized his "John Hancock" signature around frames 9:18 . I know an FX Man who tried this on a movie prop slated for a theatrical release, and he got fired.

[@Ed-lz4jv]

Best part of woodworking, applying clear finish

[@awinbisa]

this is the part of the projects where i am usualy keen to finish, and always rush the finish. Always end up regretting not spending enough time on finishing. really useful tips.

[@steveforrester2217]

I could try for a 100 years and not get that finish but I'm not going to give up yet. I guess some people simply have it. Lovely job Paul and thanks for sharing.

[@Kneenibble]

I love the simple but elegant curves of this little bench. One can perceive the work of a master in its construction.

[@kjbaran]

Nothing beats a source of sunlight in the shop. I have a spot I use to reflect off surfaces I’m working on. ☀️

[@krypticz_adapt7505]

Loved this video Paul you are the best woodwork I've ever seen I really appreciate all the time and effort you put in to making these videos would love to see more like this using other finishes

[@krypticz_adapt7505]

Woodworker

[@jesseterpstra5472]

Beautiful. I love how the grain and figure comes out after the finish goes on.

[@hossenfeffer8383]

A wonderful video, thank you. I enjoy your laidback style, a reflection of the confidence of a master. I learned a lot.

[@naturelia]

i really enjoy watching this. this make me smile the entire video, because i know he realy like what he's doing.

[@brianknowles7130]

This could not have been shown any better and at a great time for me. Just received two bottles of Shellac for a Christmas present ..lol great timing ehmany thanks

[@albertifergan6506]

Wow, I started watching reluctantly and got hooked. Thank you sir for this wonderful video. I am working on a work much in my garage and I will follow your advice. I will use shellac bought from the store. I hope it is the same application.

[@roylunn824]

great video I've been in the decorating trade all my life always wanted to work with wood Paul is as good as you get

[@helljumper5586]

Will the colour in the methylated spirits not impact the finish of the shellac?

[@Prof-em1yt]

Paul,Your shellac video reminded me to start using it again. I have tended to use water based polyurethane or tung oil to finish shop projects. Thanks again for the artful demo and reminder.Bill

[@cathyt1656]

Did you sand between the second and third coats? I think I heard you say the second coat was thinner, then you said it was thicker... I'm thinking it is thicker as you didn't add alcohol to it, correct? And how long is 'fully cured"?

[@valleywoodworkingllc7915]

Finish perfection could not be demonstrated better.

[@andyjota8906]

I used to work at Bromel paints many years ago and I made all the old henry flacks shellac polishes with all kninds of waxes and shellacs button shellacs amber flakes blondes etc. and we did all the briwax as well great days fond memories.

[@Offshoreorganbuilder]

Just watched this again: still the same impression: excellent!

[@JohnWilliams-iw6oq]

Thank you Paul, I enjoyed watching you work and i love the finish which I'm about to try on a small project right now. All the best mate.

[@williamboggess]

Nice video. I wish more people would find the ease of using shellac. I've been using shellac finishes for years even on dining room tables. The ONLY problem with using shellac on a table is alcohol will cause a problem. I've recently used amber shellac on a pine floor. It builds character that you just can't reproduce any other way. The shelf life of premixed shellac is a problem. Mixing your own from flakes is easy and the flakes keep forever. You can also find flakes from absolutely clear to a dark garnet which provides may different color variations for finish. My latest project was an 18th century high boy made in cherry with a blonde shellac. After 6 months in the sun it is absolutely gorgeous.

[@michaelbiel5158]

William Boggess Josh

[@tonyennis3008]

My only experience with shellac is that my father used it on a project. The project turned orange and it took weeks to dry.

[@76irodriguez]

What kind of brush is that and where can one get it or make it?

[@Prosecute-fauci]

great video Paul. I like how you say "muh brush"

[@littlebrookreader949]

Beautiful! Very interesting. I really wish you had shown us the final buffed-out gleam after the horse hair brush. Your project is beautiful. Anyone would be pleased to have that in their home or household! Beautiful!

[@calvinbass1839]

Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed day.

[@TravisTennies]

Nice! Can't wait to see you get past one million subscribers! Cheers!

[@tiffanyjohnson3110]

Nobody makes painting interesting like Paul does.

[@AC_Lerok]

Tiffany Johnson Bob Ross does.

[@matthiasherzog5201]

Bob Ross is a one trick pony.

[@K8Nicole]

Matthias Herzog Perhaps, but what a wonderful trick it was. 😉

[@chrisgriffith1573]

@@matthiasherzog5201 Not so- he did a number when he was in the service.

[@littlebrookreader949]

@@matthiasherzog5201 But all his accidents are happy little ones!

[@viggosimonsen]

Lovely demonstration. Thanks

[@Kildayyan]

I find watching any of your videos extremely relaxing. I can't help compare watching you shellac this bench is similar to watching the late Bob Ross painting his beloved trees :) Happy New Year, Paul, from another satisfied subscriber!

[@mrlinsalata]

This demonstration is very loose and relaxed, yet filled with a subtle radiance of deep deep soulful passion! Elegant, understated beauty of a master in no hurry whatsoever. Thank you!!! Thank you for taking your time making LOVE to that stool! Just plain enjoyed watching this :):)

[@createlovehappy]

I love shellac too. Amber, clear, dewaxed, dark... all of them are great. Let’s the wood speak. Well done.

[@markcarteresq]

Really like the colour of the wood before you apply Shellac. Can Shellac keep the colour or does it stain yellow as in your example.

[@95db97]

Shellac is a beautiful finish.

[@mechaform]

Hello Paul, this project is 3-1/2 years old. Do you have a picture of what the colour looks like now?

[@TheSunnyTrails]

Could we have an update on some of your shellac projects I’d love to see a before and after side by side :) happy new year

[@jojox3021]

Nice job Paul, and happy New year with a great videos!

[@joegregory5515]

Excellent information, great patina finish, thank you Paul...

[@tropifiori]

I am terrible with a brush so I typically pad it on with a tampon.i have been amazed at the explosion in schellac prices.

[@turnersparadise8368]

2015? That is one heck of a lead time! :-D

[@Xaviar002]

Tenspeed TheBikeHanger I see you on every comment wall pf like every video I watch lol

[@turnersparadise8368]

Ben Poliquin Great minds...

[@danielr.schafer9504]

Hi Paul, I’m wondering exactly what is a heat brush in my hearing it right? Is it like a chip brush here in the states?

[@walkerorr341]

Bob Ross of woodworking!

[@grevinse]

I've always been a fan of shellac. It does so much more to the visual nature of a work piece than most other finishes. Not to mention it's way easier on brushes. Denatured alcohol is very mild compared to paint thinners and mineral spirits you have to use with oil based polyurethane finishes.

[@Gavla..outdoors]

“I can’t see what I’m doing there....but it looks great” only Paul can apply sealant blind....incredible work as always!

[@drochon6672]

Glad I watched this. Thanks For the detail Paul.

[@mikelong3268]

Master of his craft.

[@Asmuk]

"because that`s who I am" . The Master.

[@stevetrubilla755]

One word, "excellent". Thank you.

[@MS-zb6gr]

Thanks for the video. After the shellac can I put on top poly?

[@dpk5618]

Hello Paul - I am preparing to install hardwood butcher block counters. I've already mineral oiled twice. I now want to put on a protective finish. I want to protect against water and wine type staining. What do you suggest?

[@JohnKirkwoodProFoodHomemade]

Nice job Paul, Happy new year mate.

[@gannonalex9842]

I guess I am pretty off topic but do anyone know of a good site to watch new movies online ?

[@jerichocasey2078]

@Gannon Alex lately I have been using FlixZone. Just google for it :)

[@stephenmarvin5416]

@Gannon Alex I watch on flixzone. Just google for it =)

[@zanekase8099]

@Gannon Alex i watch on FlixZone. You can find it on google :)

[@romantea3506]

Thanks for sharing your ways of doing things. I was wondering, how do you store the brush while the finish cures or between two projects? Thanks again.

[@negaopiroca2766]

Beautiful video and want to try it out! Can the brushes be cleaned with alcohol? Would it work to use a micro fiber roll, like with hard wax oil? Could you post a link to a similar shellac product? Thanks

[@JoeDavis82]

Great video and great hair.

[@twelthstring]

The paints and varnishes I have purchased in recent years have proven not to be finger grease resistant. They become soft and sticky. How does shellac react to contact with skin?

[@jeffdeluca1153]

Great info and thank you Paul. I am using shellac for a peppermill project. What wax did you use on this bench? Would you recommend carnauba wax over beeswax? I'm so confused. Jeff

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

I'm in a Zen state after watching this.

[@aaronsmith2433]

What about beech? Does amber shellac go well with this wood?

[@fisharmor]

I've only used shellac a few times, but I'm not sure why other finishes exist. Shelf life is the only real complaint, but if you get flake, and are willing to wait 24 hours after mixing, then the shelf life is forever.

[@bighands69]

By flakes and mix them up your self and if you are doing lots of work you will go through it.

[@ungarlinski7965]

Also, is this finish suitable for a tabletop? Or what would you put on top of shellac for a dining room table? Marine varnish, say?

[@margerintoul4137]

My shellac (dewaxed) used to be in flake form, but glued together into a ball. Is there any way to salvage it?

[@MrRidiculawesome]

Hello. I used the aerosol version. What happens if you didn't sand after the first coat? I've already applied 3-4 coats of shellac.

[@antonellochessa5389]

Can I use this procedure on a box made of paulownia?

[@ladygardener100]

I;ve got four beech worktops to shellac before installing them, should I use a mohair or a foam 4 inch roller or a brush [super blonde de waxed seal coat. Or a 4 inch foam brush

[@2wordU]

Is shellac an environmentally friendly material? How safe is that?

[@BenjaminFranceMusic]

Hey Paul, for a new woodworker wanting to get into shellac/french polishing, is there a pre-mixed product available in the United States that you'd recommend? I don't mind measuring and mixing it with the denatured alcohol, but I'm unsure of buying the powdered shellac flakes, etc.

[@rabbithutch6954]

The hake brush with goat's hair bristle is also available in the US on eBay.

[@ungarlinski7965]

What wax did you use? Would clear Briwax work instead?

[@stighds8518]

Happy New Year Paul and looking forward to another great year of videos.

[@joe3189]

That brush slide at the end is the mic drop of Paul Sellers

[@FriendM2010]

Great video, thanks for sharing ...

[@8MWm3e4b]

Is it French, Polish or Finnish?😝

[@paulmaryon9088]

you silly sausage

[@SonOfPatriots]

Haha. Love it

[@ImpostorModanica]

Nice.

[@andyjota8906]

@@ImpostorModanica Actually he was from Varn where ever that is???

[@simatbirch]

Unintentional ASMR. Great stuff.

[@adkpiper]

Thanks so much, Paul! Beautiful work. I'm curious about how you clean your brush. Do you just let the shellac dry on it and use the same brush for shellac next time? Flush it with denatured alcohol? Something else?

[@b1j]

He makes it very accessible for the beginner. The brush method seems unfussy. I know I’m not going to try the French polish method; that just seems too painstaking. With his thin cuts, careful brush strokes, and relaxed approach to leveling, Paul makes me think I can do this. I bought a boar bristle brush today from a shellac expert who says it’s the best he sells, so I won’t be able to blame my tools. Wish me luck.

[@oscarfernandez1574]

Is the shellac you are using here waxed or dewaxed? I want to follow your method exactly, but I don’t know which of the two (waxed or wax free) I should buy. -Oscar

[@Paul.Sellers]

It is dewaxed blonde shellac.

[@290andreas]

Thanks for the all the information regarding shellac. I would like to ask a question if I may. I tried to dissolve some old shellac flakes to make a 1lb cut. I used 100ml of 90% proof alcohol to a 12 g of flakes. The shellac did not dissolve and I ended up with a kind of slimy solution. I tried heating it up in a ben marie but nothing. At the end I strained it through a wire fine mesh and discarded the slimy undissolved flakes. The strained shellac appeared to be kind of sticky when I used it but the result was ok-ish. Is there any way to correct this problem and be able to completely dissolve the flakes?

[@mikelong3268]

Should have tossed and bought another small batch for best results.

[@esskayrepairrestoration8265]

Hi Paul. Does the same go for Sanding Sealer that you seem to find in most of the hardware stores here in the UK? I bought some recently and it's got quite a creamy look to it and also when applied so should I be thinning it a little with white spirit?

[@gotredeemed]

That's because it is nice! Thanks Paul.

[@BrewerShettles]

Back to scraping off all shellac with scotch brite and Ethanol 99%. Possibly, 4-5 coats of Amber shellac is too much. Nice amber glow. Small holes. Tears. Tried adding 99% Isopropyl alcohol and "Blending " shellac. Forgiving? Not so much. Red Oak without shellack looks nice. Letting it dry. Need to buy steel wool and isopropyl alcohol 99% for the next try. BTW, the disaster piece from before? It looks great!!! LONG DRYING TIMES. Adding slight coat w/rag. 15 Min. 2nd Slight coat. Letting shellac dry all day. Light Sand. Maybe it's NYC. Will watch the video again!!

[@Bogie3855]

So if the coat you are applying is absorbing the coat beneath you will not need to sand between coats after the sealing coat?

[@10908070605040302]

Love it , good on you man !!!