Originally Posted by
Jim Becker
Probably best to say that shellac doesn't raise grain "much" because as you note the alcohol used to dissolve shellac isn't necessarily water free. That's why it's a best practice to give a few quick swipes with 320/400 paper or a synthetic pad after the first application of shellac as there will likely be some very minor fiber raising, depending on the wood species, to have a good, clean sealed surface for subsequent steps.
The situation is similar for when using alcohol soluble dyes...there will be a very slight grain raise, but nothing like when using water soluble dye.