TIL a trick for removing old shellac at a workshop in Asheville

The instructor used denatured alcohol and a plastic scraper, which lifted the finish without damaging the wood underneath. Has anyone found a better method for stubborn, alligatored shellac?

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3 Comments

finleyh897mo ago

Ever try adding a bit of ammonia to the alcohol mix?

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kai_knight627mo ago

Nah, I'd probably just gas myself out.

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lewis.troy6mo ago

Denatured alcohol is the right place to start. For really tough shellac, I've had good luck warming the surface gently with a heat gun first. The softened finish then comes up much easier with the alcohol and a plastic card. You have to be careful not to scorch the wood, but it breaks down that alligatoring fast.

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