I've read where finishing with shellac with some mineral oil is preferable to shellac alone. Is there a preferred amount of mineral oil added to say 8 ounces of a 1 lbs cut of shellac. Ten or 20% mineral oil or more? Thanks for your input. Steve

Padding on or French polishing shellac is a rather intensive process for wiping on very thin layers of shellac, generally on a flat surface, eventually to build up a glass smooth gloss finish.  If I remember correctly on the last day a drop or two of mineral oil is added to the "rubber" (applicator) to help the last application or two be even more uniform and smooth.  Could that be what you were reading?

Mixing the oil and the shellac is a bit risky IMO
You really need to have some experience before you commit to it.

From my understanding and experience applying shellac in the french polish method, the oil has less to do with the look, though it will be different and more to do with application.
Rubbing on shellac is easy until it starts to dry, at which time it gets sticky. Putting a drop of oil on the rubber adds a tiny amount of lubrication so the rubber doesn't stick to the finish as it starts to dry out. This allows you to put more shellac on per session before you need to re-charge your rubber.  So, in this way, the type of oil doesn't matter since it's not really part of the finish, just a finishing aide. Traditionally, olive oil was used later mineral oil.

You can use a drying oil but it's not going to be the same look and some may say it's not traditional or kick up a fuss for some reason.
A drying oil will add some alcohol resistance and some flexibility to the finish but it will also change to look of the shellac. Walnut oil is often used for this.

Shellac can be tricky to work with, there are many different types and colors. As mentioned, different oils will change the look and also the properties. of the finish. The type and quality of the alcohol can also change the color and the application process of shellac. (some types dry quicker than others)

You can apply a drying oil finish, which will penetrate the wood. Once it's fully cured, you can apply a shellac finish on top of it. This method is easier, although the final look will of course be different.

Don Stephan wrote on Nov 6^th, 2020 at 7:54pm:


A couple of things,
Dons suggestions are good ones but I want to point this out.
French polish is a process NOT a product.
If/when you perform a search, there will be all sorts of formulas calling themselves "french-polish", they are not.

Don, you made me laugh and almost ruined my keyboard.
You literally drew a blank 

I'm not sure if this is who you meant but Michael Dresdner is another person skilled in finishing.

Don Stephan wrote on Nov 6^th, 2020 at 7:54pm:


Look, you actually drew a blank         

Well I laughed anyway