Shellac rub out method sought HELP!

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Hi All, I have some small boxes that I finished with shellac. I wiped on a lot of coats and got a pretty good surface. But the rubbing out seems so labor intensive. I'm starting with 400g sterated paper then 0000 steel wool. After this I wax and shine. I don't like waxing with steel wool as I can't judge the progress. The slow part is the 400g paper; it seems to take forever to get rid of all the shiny spots. Is there a quicker method to a satin shellac finish? I'm starting with a good shellac surface to begin with.

[jerry nazard]

Alan,

You might try gray Scotch-Brite pads - could be a bit too dull for you but worth a try. The gray pads cut quickly at first and then mellow out. Save pads that are still usable for less aggressive rubbing needs.

-Jerry

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Thanks Jerry, I'll give that a try.

[Prashun Patel]

You might also try 400gt wet/dry sandpaper with an oil lube. You'll have to wipe periodically to judge progress, though.

[Charlie Schultz]

I usually start with 220 to get rid of any runs or bumps and to get a nice "flat" surface, and then go up to higher grits.

[Alan Tolchinsky]

Thanks guys. I'm using a cork block with the 400g paper and it's better. I then used 600 wet/dry paper then steel wool dry and with wax. I'm satisified with the results.