Finishing Walnut Entertainment Center?

[Scoly2803]

As I get closer to finishing I find myself wondering which way to go. Would prefer to spray and am leaning toward shellac. Never having worked with it I have questions.
Our preference in finishes:
1. No plastic look
2. As natural as possible
3. Like to feel the wood
4. Depth
5. Pop the grain
I have used Knipfers concoction of BLO, Tung, Poly wiped on and really liked the results. It seemed to penetrate rather than lie on top and this is the look we desire.
Equipment:
Air compressor
HF HVLP conversion gun (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43430)
Questions:
1. Will shellac give the result we are looking for?
2. Prefer to buy premixed.
3. What should I get and from where? Have read about Seal a Cell. Sounds about right.
3. Easy to spray?
4. Tips?
Thanks
Steve

[cabinetman]

I'm not familiar with that oil mix concoction you mentioned, but it lacks some solvent like mineral spirits or naptha. I would prefer to use a wiping version of an oil mix. Any of the packaged stuff that has the word "Finish" is a mix. If it says "Tung Oil Finish" it's a mix and may not even have any Tung oil in it.

Most of the "Oil Finishes" have BLO as the oil. It will add an amber cast to the finish. Using pure 100% Tung oil will not. I know you said you would prefer to buy premixed, but making your own mix has advantages. One being you'll know exactly what's in the concoction. Beginning with the first few applications 50% mineral spirits, 25% BLO or Pure Tung Oil, and 25% oil base varnish or polyurethane. With that mix you'll get excellent penetration. The final mix would be in thirds.
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[Knottscott]

For BW or cherry, it's hard to beat a good oil IMHO...whether tung or BLO. 50/50 with mineral spirits. I've not found that shellac gives the same appearance as oil.

[Scoly2803]

Thanks for the responses. If I go with BLO mixed 50/50 with mineral sp. can it be sprayed?
Steve

[cabinetman]

Thanks for the responses. If I go with BLO mixed 50/50 with mineral sp. can it be sprayed?
Steve

BLO and mineral spirits offers little to no protection, that's why the third additive would be a varnish or polyurethane. These types of finishes are best wiped on. The first few applications (thinned) should sit for 5-10 minutes and wiped off
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[Scoly2803]

Thanks Cabinetman. Will probably go with the 3 part. Wiping before assembly won't be that bad.
Steve

[cabinetman]

Thanks Cabinetman. Will probably go with the 3 part. Wiping before assembly won't be that bad.
Steve

I would assemble and then finish. You don't want to contaminate any of the areas to be glued. Taping off doesn't always stop seepage under the tape.
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[rnelson0]

I would assemble and then finish. You don't want to contaminate any of the areas to be glued. Taping off doesn't always stop seepage under the tape.

I think the exception is screws without glue, such as seat slats, right?