Table of Contents
Are you curious if you can apply polyurethane over shellac? The simple answer is yes, but to ensure beautiful results and avoid any potential disasters, it’s important to understand the finer details of both finishes. In this article we’ll provide exhaustive information about using these two sealants together – from their varieties, usage reasons and application methods; everything that you need to know concerning applying polyurethane over shellac will be revealed.
What is Polyurethane?
Polyurethane is a dependable and moisture-resistant solution for protecting woodwork, furniture, and flooring. Whether oil-based or water-based, this coating dries to an almost transparent hue that may range in sheen from a flat finish to high shine. Oil offers heightened longevity while the more ecofriendly water option has less harmful chemicals involved with it’s production providing you peace of mind when selecting your preferred product.
Types of Polyurethane
When it comes to finishing wood projects, two kinds of polyurethane are available: oil-based and water-based. Oil-base is made with petroleum distillates and offers a strong finish that works best on raw or stained surfaces. Meanwhile, the water-base variety produces a clear coat ideal for both bare lumber as well as colored finishes.
RELATED: Best Water-Based Polyurethane For Floors
What is Shellac?
Shellac, is a glorious resin that is derived from the lac insect, has been used to finish wood for centuries. Not only does it give off an alluring high-gloss sheen but also offers superior durability. This magical substance can be applied directly onto bare wood or on any pre-stained surfaces.
Types of Shellac
There are two types of shellac: alcohol-based and water-based. Alcohol-based shellac is made with denatured alcohol and provides a durable, high-gloss finish. Water-based shellac is made with synthetic resins and provides a clear finish that can be applied to bare wood or stained surfaces.
Why You Might Want to Put Polyurethane Over Shellac
If you’re looking for an extremely durable, water- and heat-resistant product to use in high traffic areas or in places with a lot of moisture, polyurethane is the way to go. Not only can it be applied more thickly than shellac (helping level out any surface imperfections), but it’s also much easier to come by. So if convenience matters just as much as quality, look no further than polyurethane.
How To Apply Polyurethane Over Shellac
Applying polyurethane over shellac is a relatively simple process, but there are several factors to consider. To ensure the best results, make sure that the shellac has dried completely before applying your next coat of polyurethane. Test this by lightly touching it with your finger – if you can feel smoothness without any stickiness, then you’re ready for application! Otherwise wait until the tackiness dissipates before continuing on.
When it comes to painting with polyurethane, you can choose to use a brush, roller or sprayer – whatever best fits your needs. When applying the coats of paint ensure that they are thin and even layers. It is essential that each layer dry completely before beginning the next one in order for the desired level of protection and shine. You might need multiple coats for this purpose.
How Many Polyurethane Coats to Apply?
Achieving the desired level of protection and sheen requires at least two coats of polyurethane over shellac, however in high-traffic or moisture exposed areas may require more. When layering multiple coats be sure to lightly sand between each coat for optimal adhesion results.
Shellac Adherence To Polyurethane
Polyurethane adheres quite well to shellac, yet there are a few steps one can take in order to maximize this adhesive strength. Firstly, ensure that the shellac is dry prior to applying the polyurethane. Secondly, sanding with fine-grit sandpaper will roughen up the surface which allows for greater adherence of polyurethane’s bond. Lastly, prioritize quality when selecting your type of polyurethane–it should be specifically designed for use over shellac. Following these brief instructions help guarantee that you’ll get perfect results every time.
Shellac Provides Beautiful Glossy Finish
If you’re looking to create a stunning, glossy finish on your wood projects then shellac is the ideal base coat. Its renowned for its ability to bring out natural beauty in any type of wood and to enhance the grain and color. Plus, it can be tinted with dyes or pigments giving you more options when creating a particular look. After applying this amazing base coat, use polyurethane as an additional layer – marvel at the end results.
How Long Should Shellac Take To Dry Before Applying Polyurethane?
Before applying polyurethane, it is essential to make sure that the shellac has dried completely. The amount of time needed for this process can vary depending on environmental factors like temperature and humidity. As a rule of thumb, delay 24 hours after putting down the shellac before moving onto polyurethane in order to ensure that everything is properly dry and adheres correctly.
Advantages Of Using Shellac
While polyurethane is a great finish on its own, using shellac as a base coat can provide a few advantages.
- Shellac dries quickly, which means you can apply multiple coats in a single day.
- It is a great sealer, which can help to prevent tannin and oil stains from bleeding through the finish.
- Shellac can provide a beautiful, glossy finish that can enhance the natural beauty of wood.
- Easy to apply
- It is durable
Disadvantages Of Using Shellac
While shellac has many benefits, there are a few disadvantages to using it as a base coat.
- First, shellac is not as durable or water-resistant as polyurethane, which means it may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or areas that will be exposed to moisture.
- Second, shellac can be more difficult to apply than polyurethane, as it dries quickly and can be more finicky to work with.
- Finally, shellac can be more expensive than polyurethane, which may make it less appealing to some users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you apply polyurethane over shellac that has been tinted?
Absolutely, You can apply polyurethane over tinted shellac as long as the coat of shellac is even, dry and fully cured. With this in mind, you should have no trouble creating a beautiful finish that will last for many years to come.
How long should you wait to apply polyurethane after applying shellac?
To ensure ultimate protection, wait a minimum of 24 hours after applying shellac before layering on polyurethane.
Can you apply shellac over polyurethane?
For optimal results, it is not suggested to apply shellac over polyurethane. Shellac provides a thin coating created for use as an initial coat whereas the thicker layer of protection provided by polyurethane should be used as a finishing touch.
What Is the Best Type of Polyurethane?
There are many different types of polyurethane, and the best type for your project will depend on your specific needs. For example, water-based polyurethane is typically less toxic and has less odor than other types of polyurethane. But oil-based polyurethane is more durable and typically provides a higher level of protection.
No matter what type of project you’re working on, there’s a polyurethane that’s right for you.
Should I Use Wax or Polyurethane Over Shellac?
Once you have your surface prepared, you can start to apply the polyurethane. Polyurethane goes on much like paint and can be applied with a brush, roller, or sprayer. If you are using a brush, make sure to use a high-quality one for the best results.
Is it Possible to Cover Dewaxed Shellac With Polyurethane?
Yes, it is possible to cover dewaxed shellac with polyurethane. You’ll need to sand the shellac first to rough up the surface and allow the polyurethane to adhere properly.
What Is the Difference Between Shellac and Polyurethane?
The main difference between shellac and polyurethane is that shellac is a type of paint, while polyurethane is a type of plastic finish. Shellac dries quickly, but it must be sealed with polyurethane to protect it from damage.
RELATED: Can You Put Polyurethane Over Paint?
Conclusion
In conclusion, polyurethane is an ideal choice for obtaining a long-lasting, waterproof finish with a beautiful glossy appearance. When applying the coating over shellac it’s essential to make sure that the base layer has dried thoroughly and you use thin layers of polyurethane solution during application. For best results, choose quality polyurethane which will bond well with shellac too If all these factors are taken into consideration then you can enjoy your woodwork looking perfect for years ahead.
RELATED: The wood whisperer
