Serious question, has anyone else had a shellac finish refuse to dry?

I was working on a walnut dresser for a client in Boise and the final coat of shellac just stayed tacky for three whole days. I tried everything from moving it to a warmer room to thinning the mix more. Turns out the humidity in my shop spiked to 85% and I didn't even notice my hygrometer battery was dead. What's your go-to fix for a gummy finish when you're on a tight deadline?

3 comments

3 Comments

lindareed1mo ago

That 50/50 mix is like life, sometimes you just gotta start over.

rowanwells3mo ago

My last sticky shellac job needed a 50/50 mix of fresh alcohol and a complete redo.

margaret993mo ago

That 50/50 mix @rowanwells used sounds like a total lifesaver.