Shellac and French Polishing - An Introduction With Eddie O'Donnell

In this video Eddie O'Donnell takes a practical look at Shellac. He explains and demonstrates the different kinds of shellac, the alcohol used to dissolve it and methods of application. Than after practical demonstrations of how to mix, wipe-on, or brush shellac Eddie gives hands-on practical instruction on how to create that ultimate of all finishes - French Polish. Eddie goes through , explains, and demonstrates each and every step of the process in a easy to follow and practical way. This is a great video for beginners trying to learn finishing and for more advanced people who want to up their game.
Intro about Shellac 00:30
What is Canned Shellac: 02:30
What is Flake Shellac: 03:18
How To Measure a lb Cut: 09:57
Applying with a Rag: 14:44
Applying with a Brush: 17:59
French Polishing: 26:37

[@bfac8039]

Thank you Eddie O'Donnell, I have looked into and tried shellac many times over the years. Personally, I made all the mistakes, and learned a lot. From old Flakes...to too fat cut and cheap alcohol. You really are helping by teaching us. Excellent video ...thank you very much for taking the time. ( I just ordered from your site for the first time, and will order more later! )

[@brucemeller2794]

Thanks for the instruction about pumice. My French Polishing teacher didn’t go there so I’ve had to do it the slow way.

[@YarrHarr11]

Thank you, a great overview of using shellac, lots of great info here!

[@johnokeefe9983]

Excellent video on shellac, how to mix, how to use.

[@ParedonesAmarillosNO]

fantastic!!! i am on my way! thank you for the inspriration

[@coppulor6500]

great info thank you!!

[@sethwarner2540]

What is flashing off? Drying quickly? what is water pop?

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Great channel and content. A pleasure to subscribe 💋💋

[@thomasgronek6469]

When are you going to show us how to do a French polish? You covered everything BUT the information we were looking for

[@RegusPitts]

Hi Eddie, great video, I’ve learned a lot as I’m just learning how to French polish. I have a question that I hope you could help me with and that is how do you go about grain filling the ends and sides of the boards as this is not shown how to do, only bigger areas?

[@artswri]

If you must put little text notes on the screen, please leave them on for a much longer time. They are too fast to read especially when working along with the video. Thanks for a nice presentation, lots of great info.

[@dominaspina]

How long does the dissolved shellac last? Are there any special storage concerns for it? Thanks for the video!

[@glytch5]

why is a can of shellac over 700 g/l voc if its just alcohol and bug droppings?

[@Rotary_Phone]

I know the guy that invented Shellac in the early 1990's. His name is Larry Shellac. Of course, he named his product after himself. Larry still hand makes all of the world's supply of shellac in small batches in the crafts room at the nut house.

[@Rotary_Phone]

I must contest these "fun facts" notations in the video. As I stated above, my good friend Larry Shellac invented Shellac. It's a product he invented. It is not a natural product.

[@wendybond2848]

Shellac was used in the 1800’s, it wasn’t invented in the 90’s sorry.

[@frankdrebin2343]

@@Rotary_Phone Shellac comes from the secretions of a bug found in India. Your friend's invention is not the same thing (though I doubt the idea that you would have a friend).

[@thomasgronek6469]

@@Rotary_Phonereally? How did one use it in 1880? “My friend invited shellac. Hahahaha, yeah, and Al Gore invented the internet.

[@michaelchambers6180]

put the alcohol and the flakes in a blender no?

[@dizzyallday920]

44min of waffle. This should be a 3min video.