Learning From My Mistakes
Remember my dining room table transformation? Well, if not, check it out here then please return. If so, continue.
I was not finished with the project. I wanted to apply a protective coating that would also give it a sheen, a glow.
I searched for options and found several woodworking sites that recommended a spray Lacquer. That sounded great to me. So I gave it a try. Almost immediately I knew this wasn’t working. It went on cloudy and streaky. Not smooth and shiny like I’d hoped.
So, I let it dry overnight – took it back outside and sanded it down with a 150 grit and then a 400 grit to smooth out the wood. This didn’t completely remove the stain. The next day I carefully applied another coat of stain. It went on beautifully. I began my search again for a solution.
Remember, that last Saturday I was
talking to my neighbor – I told him
of my plight with the table and he said
he never had success with spray lacquer. I chuckled and said I should have come to you first. He recommended Shellac.
As he was telling me of the French Polish method I remembered seeing a video from Martha Stewart’s show.
Shellac is a fantastic method – dating back centuries.
The method requires acquiring Shellac flakes – which are created from the bark of trees that a certain insect has bored through and left its sticky excrement – this then is boiled down, strained and dried flat to create the flakes. Sounds fascinating doesn’t it.
Well, you take these flakes add denatured alcohol and swirl it onto the surface of the furniture - using a pad made from soft material stuffed with cotton mesh ( ). Then once dried you apply ground pumice to fill in the wood and to smooth it. You do several layers of these steps to achieve the French Polish. I may have left out some detail so if you’re interested check it out here.
Well, I’d have to order these flakes and wanted to get this project done before the weekend. I do want to try this method on furniture sometime in the future though. It does sound so fascinating and is beautiful.
My neighbor recommended shellac that you could purchase from Lowes or Home Depot.
I studied the can of Shellac – it did require sanding between coatings – so. I looked over to the product next to it –
Brush On Lacquer. This is a synthetic method and according to definition creates a more durable surface. My whole purpose for finding something like this is that our table had suffered over the years and I wanted to see if I could retain its beauty for a very, very long time.
The downside to the Lacquer is as it dries it evaporates some of the chemicals. It is potentially toxic. So with all this in mind – I chose the Lacquer – I have opened the doors – set up a system of fans and am home alone so that no one else is bothered by the fumes. I apply a coating – wait two hours and apply another. Did I tell you that my neighbor shared that part of the durability of the French Polish is the numerous coatings – sometimes up to 200! My neighbor suggested 20. Well, I don’t think I’ll make that many – but will shoot for 5 to 10 coats. This will be a two-day process.
While the table is drying, I will be outdoors – remember this is a potentially toxic substance.
What do you think?
I am sharing this post with these Delightsome Blog Parties:
I am sharing this post with these Delightsome Blog Parties:
Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch to Yours
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Open House Party @ No Minimalist Here
Vintage Thingie Thursday @ The Coloradolady
Saturday Show Off @ Maleviks Rosentradgard
Saturday Nite Special @ Funk Junk Interiors
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