Hello, I am just nearing the end of my first build from scratch. I built 2 mandolin kits previous to this one.(pics below) First being from International Violin Company, second from StewMac.
Both I finished with spray can lacquer from StewMac, worked fine but would like something more natural.
I found an oil varnish recipe from 1704 which includes products like Gum Sandarac, Gum Mastic, Seedlac and spike lavender oil.
I purchased some blond shellac flakes previous to finding this recipe and dissolved it in denatured alcohol and attempted to build coats and French polish on some scrap I had laying around, came out pretty nice.
Has anyone here ever used just straight shellac for a finish?
Has anyone here used the products mentioned above?
I don't have a spray rig so I will be attempting to apply this finish by hand....any tips?
Should I seal in the hand rubbed sunburst somehow before hand applying the oil varnish?
Should I brush on the varnish or apply with my pad?
How long do I let it dry before level sanding?
Any other tips and tricks?
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