I am making a serving tray with an india ink ebonized oak bottom and low cherry sides. I used the Zinsser product, not dewaxed, of uncertain age which has been unopened on my shelf since purchase. Diluted 1:1 or 1:2 it performed very well, drying quickly and bringing out the figure in the cherry as well as darkening the wood nicely. Using either a brush or a foam pad with as much care as I could, I could not reduce the the surface undulations in a manner that satisfied me. After trying many times and after using
very fine steel wool I had to use 3 M 400 grit paper without a sanding block to level the finish. The shellac more than held its own with no breakthrough to the wood surface. After an application of Briwax I have a nice sheen on a surface with just enough undulation in glancing light to be pleasing. It is absolutely smooth to touch. There is no blotching as I have gotten with oil varnish blends. The color is far better. For me there is a satisfaction of putting in considerable effort and getting more out than I put in. Pictures will follow one day.