How to Varnish or Shellac Wood

Apply Varnish

• 1

  Sand the wood in a room other than the room you will be varnishing in. Dust will settle on wet varnish, so the work area must be clean.

• 2

  Lay the wood flat on a sturdy surface. Lay a cloth or paper under it as protection. Any slant to the wood will cause the varnish to run because of its slow drying time.

• 3

  Brush on the first coat. Thin out the varnish a bit, mixing half mineral spirits or paint thinner with half varnish. Go with or against the grain until the last coat, when you must go with the wood grain.

• 4

  Let the wood sit overnight to dry. Touch it gently to determine whether it has cured before moving on.

• 5

  Sand the varnished surface with fine sandpaper of 280 grit or finer. Self-lubricated, or stearated, sandpaper won't clog as easily as traditional types. Wipe away sanding dust with a cloth.

• 6

  Start on one end of the wood and apply a full-strength coat of varnish. Work your way to the other end with even brush strokes.

• 7

  Allow the piece to cure fully. Scratch the surface with 320 or finer grit sandpaper. You will do this for every coat. Wipe away bits of dust left behind.

• 8

  Do as many coats as desired. The final coat must go with the grain. Let it dry. Do not scuff the surface after the final coat.

Apply Shellac

• 9

  Lay the piece of wood on a flat surface. Wipe it down until it is free of sand or debris.

• 10

  Dip a large brush in shellac. Start at one end and work to the other in short strokes, applying a thin coat. Shellac must be applied quickly and in one direction. It does not stretch out like varnish or paint. Be careful not to miss a spot because rebrushing is near impossible due to the fast drying time.

• 11

  Sandpaper the shellac once it's dry. Remove all but the shellac that is wedged in the gaps and holes. Wipe away dust.

• 12

  Apply another coat of shellac, if desired. Do not apply more than two coats per day.

• 13

  Follow the shellac with varnish, if desired.