Originally Posted by unworthy1

there's a technique to brushing on shellac that's different from any lacquer or paint: you have to brush it thin and in one direction and quickly...you don't ever go back over it until it's dried, it's not something you fuss with to try to minimise brushstrokes. It dries fast. You can sand and recoat in about 30-45 minutes, depending on temp and humidity. I'd say 4 coats is a minimum and if you really have the technique, your 8 will look like an amateurs 4. Shellac has a limited shelf life, if you are brushing old shellac all bets are off.