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Shellacking a Tweed Cabinet
by Mike Marsh
As many of my
customers have asked me how I do this on the Marsh Amp replicas, I
decided to put it up on the site. First, I would make it clear that I
don’t recommend applying shellac to a Vintage Amp as the value of the
piece is more likely to decrease than go up. However due to the nature
of the material I recommend shellacking as the best way to protect the
Tweed and give it a vintage look. Ok, that said it’s really a simple
process and will result in a good looking amp if you follow these simple
steps.
-
First, remove
the amp head, baffle, back panels, handles corners etc.
-
Mix equal
amounts (50/50) of Bullseye Amber shellac (my preference) and
denatured alcohol into an old Tupperware bowl (don’t reuse the bowl
except for another shellac job Duh!) Making sure the shellac was well
shaken before mixed with the Alcohol. Then mix the two well.
-
Using a clean
nylon bristle paintbrush (nothing too expensive you will probably
through it away) evenly apply the first coat.
-
Let the first
coat dry for at least two-three hours and check you any un-smooth
raised fibers on the tweed. These should be gently taken off with some
steel wool or even a Teflon pad.
-
Apply a second
coat and wait another two-three hours for drying and re-check the
smoothness of the Tweed.
In most cases your
done. If you like a smoother or darker look you can repeat steps 4 and
5. But most of the time fresh tweed will look good after two coats. Any
questions please Email me. But not to argue the spelling of shellac!!!
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