Can shellac be buffed out

Answer 1

I have buffed out lacquer (which is very similar to shellac) with 4/0 steel wool. Make sure to use this grade, the smallest you can get. Just make sure the finish is totally dry and be very gentle. I would let the finish dry a couple of days or more if it is fresh just to make sure. If you are trying to eliminate the lines from the shellac going into the grain of a wood, than multiple coats of shellac will be needed. I have a secretary desk that my mother refinished many years ago, and my father told me that she used 4 coats of finish on it, and it looks really nice. I don't know if she used shellac or lacquer on it but I am pretty sure she used steel wool on it. You can start with very fine sandpaper for the first few coats, than switch to the steel wool for the final buffing to speed things up.