: Hey Rehd,

G'day Peter

: You didn't happen to try shellac did you? I've been thinking about using some
: shellac on a deck feature so went researching.

No, I've actually only used Shellac as a sealer. As a matter of fact... I was doing some tests on Oak, using Shellac to seal and then see if resin stuck to it.. but I forgot where I put the test panels.. They're out in the garage somewhere... Holy Cow..!! Thanks for reminding me... I'll have to go yank that glass and see if it stuck..

: There are a lot of references that say shellac is fine under epoxy, but I
: have just read that shellac softens in the 40-50 degree celcius range,
: which is pretty easy to get to on a deck in full sun. I don't think that
: sounds good and might lead to delamination.

I'm no expert on that, but it's possible... I've only seen it used indoors. Not that it hasn't been used outdoors as well... just never seen it.

: According to my converter, that's 104-122 deg F and I see you were in 102
: which makes me really curious about shellac in y our part of the world.
: We're going to be in the full swing of summer soon - mid 30s C usually, so
: I'll do a test once the heat picks up a bit - we're already humid enough
:

I'll have to scout up my test panel and see how it's all stuck.. I did tests with a 4 to 1 mix ( Shellac and Alcohol ) and one with a 7 to 1 mix.. And I glassed over them, just like I'd have put it on a boat... But, this was with plywood, for a S & G boat hull.. I was going to make a panel with solid Oak, as in strips, but got caught up in other stuff around here and didn't get that one put together...

While it was curing I had it out in some 100* temps, in the sun about half a day... and when I brought it in after a couple weeks it didn't look any worse for wear...

Were you planning on using it on top of, or under the epoxy..?? And If Under, why?? I know.. I know... You guys always do things a little ... ?? Upside down over there... but..?? Interested in what you got in mind..

My experiment was basically to tame the color variation one gets when applying a finish over soft woods.. such as WRC... which looks really blotchy when wet out.. Same-Same Pine and most others... I've used it on furniture for that reason and it works great. I've even used it ( 4 to 1 ratio ) to keep the end grain on Oak looking exactly the same as the edge/side grain.. no darkening at all...

: peter..

Good to hear from you again...

Rehd
Fresno, Calif.
On the Top-Side..