Finishing American Walnut

[carden]

     I have a grandfather clock, assembled from a kit in the 1970's, that has been stripped with methylene chloride and sanded down to bare wood with 180 grit sandpaper.  I want a natural finish on this clock.  It's not going to be stained.  I'm leary of using any kind of varnish as it has a yellow hue that I do not want.  I want a clear finish that will show the natural color of this walnut.  I sure would appreciate hearing from all who have experience with this issue.  Additionally, I have heard that an oil finish on walnut tends to make it too dark, which I also do not want.  I'm thinking of using the lightest and clearest shellac available.

                                                                 Your thoughts please,

                                                                             DC


                                                                     

[msiemsen]

Depending on the walnut I like a bit of orange or garnet shellac to tone down the purple hue a bit, then just clear shellac. Use just clear if that is what you want. Try it some place where it doesn't show first.
Mike

[carden]

Do most members mix their own shellac as opposed to buying it ready made?

[msiemsen]

I can only speak for myself. I take the path of least resistance which is shellac from the big box store. It only comes in clear and orange so I mix my own garnet. Either is fine, I have no trouble with either type.
Mike

[jim vojcek]

I mix mine from flakes.  We have a member who supplies de-waxed shellac flakes.  He has an ad in the Summer/Fall Period Furniture Newsletter.  I think he has a good product. 

Jim Vojcek