11am wrote:Hi Brother, beautiful drum, curious to know why you would use such a fragile finish of shellac to finish the shell? It offers no protection from water, will cloud and become sticky due to humidity and will also be very susceptible to other everyday cleaning chemicals. I might suggest that after you finish with the shellac, that you finish it in a poly -urethane oil varnish, or good quality floor grade water vasrnish. Great job so far, J M
Hi 11am, thank you for comment. The reason for shellac is:
Some of shellacs greatest advantages include qualities that apply to musical instruments:
1. Non yellowing
2. Excellent adhesion
3. Very hard - it doesn't dampen the vibration of a soundboard
4. Good sealer - stops the transfer of moisture vapor
5. Easy to repair - Since shellac dissolves in alcohol, new shellac melts into old, allowing seamless repairs
6. Easy to remove - Shellac dissolves in alcohol
7. Shellac can be applied by padding, brush or spray
8. Non-Toxic - FDA approved for food utensils and children's toys
I believe that you did not seriously suggest to use poly-urethane or water based varnish. That is in plain language like wrapping your acoustic instrument in plastic.
Perhaps the Nitrocellulose Lacquers is also suitable for acoustic instruments.
Kip in your mind that Stradivari finished all his violins in Shellac and have a look on internet for more 'yes or no'.