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Setup & Repair [DB] Exploring the issues involved in setting up and repairing basses, along with luthier recommendations.


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  #1  
Old 11-23-2012, 08:49 AM
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Join Date: Jun 2012
how to clean a shellac finish

My son just acquired a very fine bass which has a shellac finish (a story in itself). What is the best way to clean and maintain such a finish?
  #2  
Old 11-23-2012, 05:30 PM
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Naphtha or mineral spirits will do a great job cleaning a shellac finish- a little on an old t-shirt will do, but mind the warnings on the can!

Also, test a little inconspicuous spot before proceding, just to make sure that it really is shellac.

Joe
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Old 11-23-2012, 05:39 PM
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avoid anything with alcohol in it
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Old 11-23-2012, 08:26 PM
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Originally Posted by wcoffey81 View Post
avoid anything with alcohol in it
Have you been talking to my wife?
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Old 11-23-2012, 10:31 PM
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Thanks!
  #6  
Old 11-24-2012, 09:27 PM
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Is shellac the same thing as spirit varnish?
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  #7  
Old 11-26-2012, 11:04 AM
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Yes and no...Spirit varnish will have shellac in it, but there will usually be other ingredients as well(copal, mastic, sandarac...).
  #8  
Old 11-26-2012, 11:10 AM
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avoid anything with alcohol in it
Or ammonia!
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