sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Nov 21, 2014 15:48:05 GMT -8
Our trailer, a cute 63 Cardinal is in pieces in our garage. We are sick of parking our cars outside with all this winter weather so my husband is working super hard to get the walls ready to go back up and free up a parking spot. Tomorrow the high is 40 (which in the scope of the weather we've been having is balmy) I know we cannot run a kerosene heater while putting the shellac on but is 40 degrees too cold? He wants the walls finished (my job) before he puts them up so we don't ruin the new floor with drips (trust me even covered I will find a way to drip on it). I'm hoping it will just take a bit longer to dry. All your help is truly appreciated!
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Post by vintagebruce on Nov 21, 2014 16:58:00 GMT -8
Here is an MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet for a brand of shellac...flash point 32 degrees F things to avoid...heat...I'd say go for it, with forced air heat introduced into the garage without the heat source (glowing element) exposed to the vapors, but what do I know, I was a Safety Consultant in the Oil and Gas Industry safe-ing out welding operations on a crude oil gathering and offloading Terminal for 15 years and I always said...heck if I do something wrong, I won't even hear the explosion. www.onboces.org/safety/msds/Z/Zinsser%20Bullseye%20Shellac.pdf |
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nanat
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Post by nanat on Nov 21, 2014 17:02:27 GMT -8
This is a bit cool to apply shellac as like any finish it has to "flow".
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 21, 2014 17:52:13 GMT -8
Shellac does not like heat. The colder the better because it's 99% alcohol. It will not flow out in the heat because it dries too fast. Do not let the fumes get to an open flame or spark if your going to work in a closed area, ie: NO Heaters, NO Water heaters, etc.
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turbodaddy
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Post by turbodaddy on Nov 21, 2014 19:38:33 GMT -8
I think you will have to experiment a bit. Biggest problem I see is (as some people here say, "Don't ask me how I know")not allowing enough time between coats. If you rush things you'll end up with "milking" or "alligatoring". I left the heat on inside the trailer until it was about 60F. Then I'd turn off all electric items that might spark and lay down a coat. Since vapors are heavier than air, I opened the door and turned on the "Fantastic Fan" on reverse to bring in fresh outside air...just enough to remove fumes. Then I put the heat back on for a while until the finish was only slightly tacky. Most of the time this worked, the nice thing about shellac is if you do anything to screw it up, it is easy to fix by sanding, or wiping with denatured alcohol, or just adding another coat. Patience is a virtue.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Nov 21, 2014 21:49:30 GMT -8
I shoot all my shellac with a cup gun (because brushes are not my friends or forte) and the over spray causes a mist that has an explosive potential. Scotty lives in a 3 sided car port where there is air circulation, and I have sprayed in colder weather. A month ago when the temps were civilized I could recoat in an hour or less but when it gets colder it takes a couple of hours to dry to the point of sanding.
My coats are thinner than one that is brushed so they dry faster but it probably takes twice as many. I'd say ventilate and go for it.
But,
the Cardinal deserves a nice garage and cars are just cars.
Just saying.
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 22, 2014 10:33:31 GMT -8
If you want to shellac, try the FRENCH POLISH technique.
It's a very a old technique, and lots has been written about it, if you choose to research.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Nov 22, 2014 15:49:13 GMT -8
JP,
I agree that French polish is not particularly temp critical, but as a bow maker (violins, not violence) and string instrument restorer, and use this method as the primary finish on my bows, and as a repair polish on said instruments, one must have much more stamina than I to French polish the interior of a ham. To get enough of a protective coat on my new made bows I'll do at least 4 rounds, so I certainly am to old and frail for that sort of effort on interior panels and cabinets.
But!
The results of a proper French polish, done right are certainly spectacular, and worth the effort, but read up on the technique first because a tired hand stopping in the wrong can cause a 'start-over'.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 22, 2014 19:54:36 GMT -8
I've shellacked in pretty cool temps. I don't think I ever hit 40 yet but if John Palmer says it will work, it will work. Do a test on a small area that doesn't show and see what happens.
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John Palmer
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Post by John Palmer on Nov 23, 2014 9:55:39 GMT -8
One thing that you do not want to do is put a fresh shellac panel into the sun (or heat) because it will lift or wrinkle the shellac finish. The first two coats are not very sensitive to heat because they just sink right into the raw wood. You have to be careful with coats four to six because they lay on top of the surface. The more coats you apply, the more drying time you need to allow. After the shellac is fully cured, it will be stable to heating and cooling cycles.
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kirkadie
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Post by kirkadie on Nov 23, 2014 19:44:58 GMT -8
Larry, have you ever been in temps below 'caliente'?
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Nov 23, 2014 20:05:48 GMT -8
Larry, have you ever been in temps below 'caliente'? The lowest it has been in any place I have lived was in June Lake, Ca. Up in the Sierras. -6f... Entire town would get snowed in on occasion. |
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coldham
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Post by coldham on Nov 24, 2014 18:23:04 GMT -8
I shellacked last winter in temps below freezing and didn't have any issues... Yet. I think humidity and heat are worse than cold when it comes to shellac.
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sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Nov 25, 2014 13:34:33 GMT -8
Being the procrastinator and cold weather wimp that I am - I have not even started yet BUT i plan on giving it a go tomorrow - Sunday when the temps are in the low 50's. I have watched mobiletec's videos and have my supplies ready. Now to give the wood a light sanding and I'll be ready to go, I will hopefully let the panels totally dry before starting the next coat (hence giving myself 5 days to finish this project). We are expecting rain so the humidity might play into drying time as well. It's going to be pizza and pie for Thanksgiving, my kids are elated  Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thanks for all your help! |
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sixspuds
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Post by sixspuds on Nov 29, 2014 16:20:57 GMT -8
It's done! 3 days, six coats, I finished the walls and the tall cabinet. I had great weather with temps ranging from the low 50's up into the low 60's. I was surprised how fast it dried even in the colder temps. I can't imagine doing it when it is hot. If I did lots of it I think I would invest in a sprayer. It sure takes it's toll on your wrists and shoulders.   |
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone and thanks for all your help!
