FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

SHELLACED FLOOR ADDITIONAL PHOTO’S

frenchy | Posted in Photo Gallery on March 4, 2007 11:31am

HERE ARE SOME CLOSE UPS OF THE FLOOR, I SUPPOSE I SHOULD HAVE DUSTED IT BUT WHAT THE HECK!

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Piffin | Mar 05, 2007 01:43am | #1

    Shelac on walnut, right? Not every body has caught the mosquito spit floor finish recommendations, you know.

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

    1. DougU | Mar 05, 2007 06:11am | #2

      The big mystery to me is, who was the first guy to think that this stuff would make a good finish! Its been around for centuries.

      Doug

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Mar 05, 2007 06:59am | #3

        I want to know the first guy who though that it would be good to coat candy with..
        .
        A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

      2. dovetail97128 | Mar 05, 2007 10:29am | #4

        Doug,
        Beats me but I have two books here that are not quite 100 yrs. old that mention it as a good, servicable floor finish, so the concept isn't new.

    2. JonE | Mar 05, 2007 04:06pm | #5

      Frenchy's got a good idea, but I don't think shellac is durable enough to be used alone on a floor.  The shellac brings out the grain and figure in the wood, certainly.  I've got soft maple in my house, of which certain parts (stair treads and landings, and some random pieces) are curly, and they jump right out at you with shellac.  It's just as good as oil in bringing out figure. 

      I'm trying to finish the floors in the house in the next couple of weeks, waiting for a bit of warmer weather to allow some gaps to close up.  I've got several gallons of Parks Universal Sealer, which is a basic 2-lb dewaxed shellac, which will go down first, followed by Minwax water-based floor poly.  1 gloss, 1 satin topcoat.  I can't imagine a better floor finish that takes less time to work with.  Two coats of shellac and a coat of poly is one long day's work, and the final coat goes on the next day and then we let it sit for a couple of days to cure. 

      1. User avater
        maddog3 | Mar 05, 2007 06:55pm | #6

        you have good luck with the MinWax poly?we put that down on a new floor here and ended up with bubbles after it dried.....I got so pizzed off I sanded it all off !
        a real PITA, and then used a Valspar poly
        the difference to my wife was night and day since she had applied both of them and couldn't believe the results.

        .

        .

        ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

        1. rnsykes | Mar 06, 2007 12:08am | #7

          I've gotten bubbles with the Minwax water base poly as well.  Maybe the Shellac helps.

          1. User avater
            maddog3 | Mar 06, 2007 12:41am | #8

            ok then but why shellac under the poly.....knots?.

            .

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

          2. JonE | Mar 06, 2007 01:29am | #9

            Shellac under the poly does a couple things (at least that I can see):  it pops the grain and figure, much more than if you just used poly alone.  Some people don't like that on a floor - I do.  Anyway.  It also acts as a sealer, lessening absorption of the initial poly coat and generally allowing a smoother surface.  You can probably get by with one less coat of poly if used over shellac.  Please note - have to use the dewaxed shellac, commonly found as Bullseye/Zinsser Seal Coat, or Parks Universal Sealer (same stuff, Parks is owned by Zinsser and it is exactly the same product).  Otherwise if you use the regular Zinsser 3-lb cut 'clear' or 'amber' shellac, the water based poly will not adhere very well, if at all.   I have used the SealCoat on every exposed piece of wood in the house except for the timber frame itself (which is unfinished) and in several cases (ceilings) it is the only finish.  Doors, windows, stair rails and treads, all get wb poly over the shellac.  I don't use stain or dyes, prefer to leave the wood 100% natural color. 

          3. User avater
            maddog3 | Mar 06, 2007 01:55am | #10

            sounds good , I hope I remember whats what.

            .

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

      2. frenchy | Mar 06, 2007 04:00am | #11

        JonE

        Not Durable?

          Did you see the gouge made by my 150 pound New Foundland?  Shellac holds perfectly, wood gouged!

         I've been walking across that floor in my street shoes for 6 months so has everybody in my family. 

         I've spilt plenty of water on that finish, but since I quickly wipe it up no damage has resulted..

          If something happens to most finishes how soon would you have it repaired?  With Shellac it could be repaired litterly in minutes..

          Every other finish requires sanding and waiting long periods of time..

         By the way Poly's are softer than shellac.. test it yourself and see!

          

      3. frenchy | Mar 06, 2007 04:08am | #12

        Oops, I posted the pictures of the gouge over at Knots, so I'll put it here as well.

        1. User avater
          maddog3 | Mar 11, 2007 12:22am | #13

          I'm just trying to make this thread go away for Me as unread.

          .

          .

          ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

          1. frenchy | Mar 11, 2007 12:37am | #14

            maddog3

             Sorry my floor offends you..

             

          2. User avater
            maddog3 | Mar 11, 2007 12:58am | #15

            Oh ,it's just that this thread keeps popping up as "unread to me"......I apologize for hurting your feelings.

            .

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

          3. frenchy | Mar 11, 2007 01:03am | #16

            Maddog3

                NO, I'm not offended,  I'm sorry that my photo's are causing you problems.. I honestly don't mean to offend. 

              I'm realtively new to this posting pictures thing so maybe I've done something wrong. If I have tell me and I'll attempt to correct it..

                 

          4. User avater
            maddog3 | Mar 11, 2007 01:08am | #17

            as a matter of fact your post to me had cleared up the problem...I think the glitch is from Prospero and nothing to do with your photos..which BTW are very nice.....:)
            so keep posting them OK.

            .

            .

            ., wer ist jetzt der Idiot ?

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fast, Accurate Wall Framing

A rear addition provides a small-scale example of how to frame efficiently.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data