Finish coat sheen?

[Jim Kappel]

If shellac is somewhat glossy in nature, will applying a satin finish over it create a satin finish? Or will the glossy look show through?

Thanks,
Jim

[Prashun Patel]

The shellac sheen will not affect the sheen of the top coat.

[Stephen Musial]

If you don't like the glossy look, rub it with 0000 steel wool and then wax it.

[Jim Kappel]

The plan is to shellac a few coats and then use a wipe on Poly or varnish. Which would give a nice satin finish? Is one better or easier to apply?

Thanks,
Jim

[Scott Holmes]

Is this the armoire front door panels?

Once you have a smooth & flat (they are not the same) panel with the shellac; steelwool will give you satin.

If you don't like the satin you can continue add another thin coat of shellac and be gloss again. Then buff lightly with 2400 grit, then 3000, 3600 then 4000 to get a semi gloss.

[Howard Acheson]

What is the purpose of the shellac?

Save yourself some time and effort and just apply your wiping varnish. A highly thinned wiping varnish is as good a sealer as a coat of shellac.

[Stephen Musial]

Shellac adds a depth that varnish doesn't (IMHO).
Much easier to rub out (again IMHO)
It dries much faster allowing multiple coats in a shorter time and less chance of dust settling on the still wet finish.