How To Shellac A Floor

Shellac dries quickly so don t stop until the floor is coated.

How to shellac a floor.

Give the solvent two or three minutes to work then scrape off. Dip your rag into the shellac mixture and. Additionally shellac isn t typically a coating for floors. To identify a true shellac finish sprinkle a few drops of denatured alcohol on the finish in some hidden location.

Form a clean cloth into a smooth fist size ball. Apply the shellac to the wood. If the finish softens slightly then you have a true shellac finish and it can be repaired as follows. Shellac should be applied in long smooth strokes following the grain of the wood to ensure an even application.

Some contractors prefer to dilute the dye solution to a 50 50 ratio and apply it twice with an hour of dry time between each application. If you miss a spot when applying the shellac avoid going back to touch it up. If it does not soften when exposed to denatured alcohol then your finish may be lacquer or polyurethane. After the floor is completely dry a stain or sealer may be applied on top.

Pour a gallon of denatured alcohol into a bucket. Use a cloth to shellac wood if you re covering a large surface area and choose a brush for the job to finish tight edges and corners. If you re using a water soluble dye be sure to check the floor with a moisture meter before sealing. A good rule of thumb.

Thin shellac half and half with denatured alcohol and apply it with a lambswool floor finish applicator in long even strokes. Spread the alcohol liberally on the floor in one section with a paintbrush or a rag. Wearing latex gloves dip the cloth in the shellac tap it against the palm of your gloved hand to remove any excess then quickly dab on a thin layer with one or two short strokes no more.