shellac is gritty

[weelis]

I have mixed up a solution of garnet shellac.  I have checked the amounts of flakes to alcohol and know that that is correct.  I have tried to filter it through paint filters and paper filters.  Not much gets filtered through and that that does filter leaves a gritty surface after application.  What type of filter material works best  for you all out there?  Any other suggestions? (I grind up the flakes in coffee grinder)    Thanks.

[fredhargis]

Puzzling. The shellac that is in the alcohol is completely dissolved. I always have some that doesn't dissolve when I mix it, but it comes out in the paint strainer. Are you sure the surface effect is from the shellac...maybe it's some raised grain? Put some of the shellac on a non wood surface (glass, laminate, whatever) and see if it feels rough.

[jteneyck]

Puzzling. The shellac that is in the alcohol is completely dissolved. I always have some that doesn't dissolve when I mix it, but it comes out in the paint strainer. Are you sure the surface effect is from the shellac...maybe it's some raised grain? Put some of the shellac on a non wood surface (glass, laminate, whatever) and see if it feels rough.

That's the same as I was thinking - raised grain.  It can be pretty rough after the first coat depending upon what wood it's applied to.  I sand it back with 320 or 400 grit and then all is well.  

John

[®smpr_fi_mac®]

Are you talking about raised grain after the first application? If so, hit it lightly with 220 and apply again. This is typical.