New to Refinishing ~ Removing shellac from an oak veneer

[MsDonnaRene]

I live on the Pacific Northwest Coast, lots of fog, and have my bedroom window open at night, thus, after 6 years I am sanding off shellac from an oak veneer on my bedroom window. The shellac has peeled away and a bit of black mold (?) has gotten into the grain. The veneer appears to be thin and only the bottom piece needs to be refinished. I am using an 400 grit and don't mind taking the time to do a nice job. Upon reading other questions, it only created more questions for my needs #-o

Should I use an acetone and sand to remove the old shellac?

Should I use a sanding sealer to protect my wood from future damage from the air's moisture? Or a poly?

Is shellac the best top coat for my conditions?

Any extra hints or tips?

Thank you so very much for your time and effort to help me! Of all the advice sites I visited, the UK Workshop had the most professional, easy to understand replies. TY!
Donna

 

[yetloh]

Welcome to the forum, Donna.

Alcohol will take it off. If you want to get rid of the black staining try a saturated water solution of oxalic acid. Wash it off with clean water and allow to dry. The water will probably raise the grain so you will then need to re-sand.

Shellac is not the most durable of finishes; a Danish oil or hard wax oil would probably be better - easy to apply and to renew when needed. Just clean up and put on another coat. Just follow the instructions on the can and you should be OK.

Jim.

 

[MsDonnaRene]

Thank you Jim, I will try what you recommended

 

[wisno]

You can use acetone. It is a good solvent.


Thanks

good luck.