I want to try using shellac on my wraps ALA Payne.  The info I have is that the Payne rod co. used white shellac thinned 50%.  Having no knowledge of shellacs, I started looking into what to get and found I was quickly lost in quality and color.  Whites, clears and blondes abound, and I am unsure of what I actually want.  How pure do I want/need for this?  Also, do I want flakes or ready mixed in a can?

Any other advice to heed or pitfalls to avoid will be appreciated.  (Carl DiNardo)

I would use white also known as clear, ready mixed is fine for the job you need it for.  (Gary Nicholson)

I attended a furniture finishing seminar at the Detroit Woodworking Show last December.  One of the things in my notes is that a "two pound cut" of shellac, which is pretty much standard for furniture is 50% shellac and 50% alcohol by volume.  He used a small glass jar (olive jar I think) marked 1/4 and 1/2 way up to mix in.  The only trouble with the small cans you get in the local friendly is that it may be kind of old and not dry properly.  The down side of the shellac flakes is that a pound of flakes is pretty expensive Vs. the small can in the hardware.  However, a pound will probably last a lifetime.  The flakes keep practically forever if they are kept dry.  (Neil Savage)

Correct make sure you buy it from a dealer who has a good turn around on stock. You don't want old stuff. It never set up real hard like it should.

I don't think there is any point mixing you own you should be able to get it from a major manufacturing unit close to you. In the Uk I recommend Rustins. If you do mix your own and its two thick you can just thin it down more with Industrial methylated spirits /that’s the clear stuff without the purple dye. It was put in to stop me drinking it.  (Gary Nicholson)