How to Refinish Woodwork

Thomas rubs the stripped wood with fine steel wool and denatured alcohol to dissolve any shellac residue.Then, after a thorough vacuuming, he applies a coat of de-waxed shellac—sold in cans as Seal Cote—which is compatible with most finishes. He rapidly pads on the finish using a wad of cotton rag wrapped in cheesecloth, replenishing the shellac from a dispenser as needed.