REMOVING SHELLAC FROM WOOD FEATURES AND REFINISHING


PART 1---GENERAL

1.01 SUMMARY

     A.   This procedure includes guidance on removing shellac from
          wood features and refinishing with shellac and paste wax.

     B.   See 01100-07-S for general project guidelines to be
          reviewed along with this procedure.  These guidelines
          cover the following sections:

          1.   Safety Precautions

          2.   Historic Structures Precautions

          3.   Submittals

          4.   Quality Assurance

          5.   Delivery, Storage and Handling

          6.   Project/Site Conditions

          7.   Sequencing and Scheduling

          8.   General Protection (Surface and Surrounding)

          These guidelines should be reviewed prior to performing
          this procedure and should be followed, when applicable,
          along with recommendations from the Regional Historic
          Preservation Officer (RHPO).


PART 2---PRODUCTS

2.01 MATERIALS

     A.   Shellac

     B.   Denatured alcohol

     C.   Paste wax:  Proprietary or job-mixed compound containing
          carnuba, beeswax, cadelilla, or ceresin mixed with
          turpentine.

     D.   Wood filler, tinted to match wood

     E.   Steel wool, fine 00-0000

     F.   Sandpaper:  Extra fine grit

     G.   Clean, soft cloths

2.02 EQUIPMENT

     A.   Stiff, natural bristle brushes


PART 3---EXECUTION

3.01 PREPARATION

     A.   Surface Preparation:  

          1.   Mask all adjacent surfaces and protect other
               exposed surfaces in the work area.

          2.   Fill any splits in existing wood and sand smooth
               prior to sealer application.

3.02 ERECTION, INSTALLATION, APPLICATION

     NOTE:  Follow manufacturer's application instructions.  Final
     appearance of wood work must be uniform in all respects.

     A.   Select an inconspicuous area on which to test materials
          and application for each method type required.  Test area
          must be approved by the Contracting Officer.
     

     B.   After each test area has been prepared, receive approval
          from the Contracting Officer before commencing general
          application.

     C.   Coat wood with denatured alcohol.  Apply with soft cloth. 
          Scrape up residue as quickly as possible.  Repeat
          application of alcohol until all shellac is removed. 

     D.   Sand smooth.

     E.   Apply one coat of shellac with soft cloth and allow to
          dry.

     F.   Apply mixture of shellac and alcohol with soft cloth and
          allow to dry overnight.

     G.   Apply liberal amount of pastewax with soft cloth and
          allow to dry.

     H.   Buff wood lightly with steel wool.

     I.   Buff wood with soft brush.

     J.   Polish with soft cloth.

     K.   Other processes may be used as long as final results
          conform to quality standards and give uniform appearance.

                          END OF SECTION