I've been using Zinsser BullsEye clear dewaxed shellac lately as a sanding sealer. It's a 2lb cut and I pay $17 for a quart. I always question the age when I buy it, and the quality of the shellac used. My question: What are some good alternatives for clear dewaxed flakes to mix my own sealer?

Changing subjects a bit, I'm fairly new to shellac finishing and am considering a garnet dewaxed for some cherry furniture and knotty alder kitchen cabinets I'm building. Seems a lot of folks like the warm amber tone on both of those species. I was looking at WellerMart dewaxed garnet, based on the reviews it seems to be good quality. Any other makers I might want to consider for a top quality dewaxed garnet?

I noticed that WellerMart also sells a dewaxed ruby and a waxed orange. Are there particular wood species that these two match well with? Probably a hard answer to get consensus on, really just looking for opinions.

Thank you.