Things you need:

Shellac
Denatured Alcohol
Rag (or an Artist Brush)
Rag or Cloth
Mason Jar with top
Small Dish
220 sand paper
Chip Brush
Frame (I made it out of Mahogany)
Cardboard

I reason why I use Shellac with Mahogany is that i makes the figure stand out more then if you would use an oil.

Step 1: Finishing Wood With Shellac at Techshop

Put down Cardboard to cover the table.

I use a one to one mix of Shellac and Denatured Alcohol. The one to one mix doesn't have to be perfect, just as long as it close. When you use the one to one part the mixture, you have to apply more coats but you will get a better finish in the end. And you don't have to sand as much in between coats.

Step 2: Finishing Wood With Shellac at Techshop

Applying the Shellac to the wood you want to go in the direction of the grain. You can use the a rag or a artist brush, the reason why you want to use an artist brush is that it holds less liquid then a paint brush that you would buy at a hardware store. If you are using a rag, to help you get to get in to the corners I will use a chip brush.The first coat will dry quickly, you may only have to let it set for a half hour or so. I put on 4 or 5 coats of Shellac.

WIth the 220 grit sand paper and a wood square block, lightly sand the sufrace of the wood and wipe claen with a rag

Has you apply more coats, it will take longer to dry.

Step 3: Finishing Wood With Shellac at Techshop

The last coat I try to lay on kinda thick, but beware that the shellac will want to get tacky if you try to go over it too many times. Let dry for 48 hours before using.

Thanks