Wood lacquer

[ChrisDixon]

I have embarked on a DIY woodwork renovation and am looking for a suitable lacquer or polish. Thus far I have looked at Rustins Plastic Coating (the name is a bit offputting but it seems a good product) and because I don't want an overly shiny finish I have also come across Shellac. Has anyone tried either or these, or can suggest an alternative?

[Brakebuster]

if im correct , the polyurethane coating on the existing woodwork is already a ' plastic ' , and Rustins have been around forever providing quality products for wood , so I would go for them , unless anyone else has horror stories ?

I have just used them for my new oak kitchen worktops, lol

pictures ??


BB

[ChrisDixon]

BB, the research I did suggested that from the 60's polyester (same as polyeurathane?) lacquer was used and this responds better to a heat gun than to stripper. This was indeed the case on some spare pieces I practiced on, having previously tested with "green" stripper to no avail. Received wisdom is to apply up to 10 thin coats of lacquer but I expect previously treated wood requires less. The Plastic Coating when hardened needs chemical stripper to remove which suggests it is harder, but needs fewer coats. Plus you can shine it as little or as much as you want.

[PPV]

When I 'restored' my wood I tried Rustins as I found it an excellent product when I used it on a parquet floor and wooden table top. It tended to self level and dried very quickly. However, when I tried it on my woodwork I found it tended to lift the veneer in some places. I think this was to the poor adhesion of the veneer though and the quick drying of the Rustins. It was then extremely difficult to get off. I therefore lifted my veneer and reglued in place.
After doing all that I was at one of the car restoration shows and there was a gentleman demonstrating and selling a product that was in a golden coloured square tin and was applied by brush or pad and was a 'shellac' type I think. I tried this and found it excellent if you followed the instructions. You could polish it up also afterwards to good effect. I think I still have a tin somewhere that I could get the name off if you are interested in it.
Having said that I am sure all modern products will work if applied carefully and as per instructions and I am sure many will have their own recommendations.
Regards,

[ChrisDixon]

Rustins Plastic Coating is a 2 pack product, I wonder if this is more likely to trigger veneer lift than a basic poly varnish? I've experimented with Shellac and it seems a fiddly process, as you have to make up a "rubber" each time, although it is easy to apply on larger pieces, it is difficult to apply evenly to smaller ones. I will experiment further with both.

[PPV]

You are right Chris.
Regards,