Sanding wipedown before shellac?

[c6craig]

Hi All,

I was curious was the most popular or effective way to wipe down a sanded project before applying shellac. I have tried compressed air, which does OK. I have tried rubbing it down with a damp cloth, don't like that because even "lint free" cloth seems to leave threads or lint behind. I have tried a tack cloth, which I dont really like because it sems to leave a residue behind and they are hard to work with an an intricate carve.

Any thoughts appreciated...

Thanks,
Craig

[jtsvstar1100]

I found that when you apply a coat of finish to
your wood it tends to lift the grain. Just the other day
I made a pen box out of cedar sanded it smooth
applied first coat of finish, 2 hours later when it dried
it felt like it had sand all over it. So I gave it a quick sand
with 400 grit and applied 2nd coat and it was beauiful, 3rd coat perfect.

P.S. All I use to clean off the wood after sanding is an
air compressor.

Jeff

[JDPratt]

Water is definitely not the way to go. Shellac and water don't mix well and if the water doesn't dry completely you will have problems. In addition water acts to raise the grain eliminating all the work you went to sanding it. A little compressed air, then tack cloth, then maybe a little more compressed air is the way I do it. Don't worry about the residue you think is left behind by the tack cloth, it amounts to nothing and will not affect the finish. Just give it a once over by eye to ensure no "hairs" or fibers are left behind from the cloth. Ensure you don't "rub" with the tack cloth. Just wipe lightly.

John

[Icutone2]

As Jeff has said, air is all I use also.
Lee

[wooden nickel]

I attended a finish seminar we were told the new micro-fiber cloths were very good. If you use tac you leave a residue behind.

Wooden nickel

[c6craig]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate it!

Craig