De-Nibbing Shellac vs. Sanding: When to Pad Instead

Shellac is a classic finish that leaves wood glowing with warmth, but it’s also sensitive to sanding. While sanding is common between coats, sometimes a gentler de-nibbing technique with a pad works better. This guide explains when to sand and when to pad for smooth, flawless shellac finishes.

Why Shellac Needs Special Care

Shellac dries quickly and builds thin layers. Aggressive sanding can cut through coats, leaving witness lines or patchy sheen. De-nibbing with a soft abrasive pad often removes dust nibs without risking finish breakthrough, especially on lighter coats.

Tools You’ll Need

• Fine sandpaper or sanding sponge
• Non-woven abrasive pads (white or gray)
• Vacuum or tack cloth
• Soft cloth for buffing
• Shellac flakes or premixed solution for recoating

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 320 grit: For light sanding between heavier shellac coats.
• 400–600 grit: For polishing shellac surfaces gently.
• Non-woven pads: For de-nibbing without cutting through finish.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Assess the surface. If the shellac coat is thick and fully cured, sanding is safe. If it’s thin or fresh, choose de-nibbing.
2. Light sanding. For cured coats, use 320 grit (25-pack) to knock down dust nibs lightly.
3. Pad de-nibbing. On delicate coats, use a white or gray non-woven pad to smooth the surface without removing finish.
4. Fine sanding. For final smoothing, progress to 400 grit (50-pack) or even 600 grit for a glass-like feel.
5. Clean carefully. Wipe away sanding dust with a tack cloth to prevent contamination in the next coat.
6. Recoat. Apply thin, even layers of shellac, allowing each to cure before repeating the process.

Special Cases

French-polished shellac surfaces should never be sanded—use pads or pumice/rottenstone for polishing instead. For darker-toned shellac, sanding scratches may show more easily, so use extra-fine grits.

Pro Tips

• Always sand lightly—shellac layers are thin and easy to cut through.
• Test sanding on a scrap piece or hidden area first.
• Use padding between coats for the safest smoothing method.
• Work in dust-free spaces—shellac highlights every speck of debris.

Aftercare

• Re-polish shellac surfaces annually with a soft pad to refresh sheen.
• Avoid strong cleaners—use a dry or slightly damp cloth for maintenance.
• Keep surfaces out of direct sunlight to prevent finish fading.

FAQs

• Do I need to sand every coat of shellac? No—de-nibbing with pads is often enough between thin coats.
• What if I sand through? Simply reapply shellac—it melts into existing coats for easy repair.
• Can I use steel wool? Avoid it—steel fibers can rust under shellac. Use non-woven pads instead.

Watch & Learn

Knowing when to sand and when to pad makes all the difference with shellac. By using the right method, you’ll achieve a smooth, lustrous finish that shows off the beauty of the wood without flaws.