Re: [CR]Tressostar and shellac

(Example: Component Manufacturers)

Date: Sun, 04 Feb 2001 12:52:44 -0500
To: M4Campy@aol.com
From: "Jeff Slotkin" <jeffslotkin@home.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Tressostar and shellac
Cc: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
In-Reply-To: <78.1017820b.27aee644@aol.com>


At 12:07 PM 2/4/2001 -0500, M4Campy@aol.com wrote:
>(snip)
>I want to wrap the bars with some orange Tressostar &
>I have heard that shellac helps preserve the color.
>
>I have never used shellac on tape before, I just wrap
>and watch the cotton fray!
>
>Anybody got some pointers on what and how to do this?
>
>Or even if I should!!!
>
>Mike "Trying to outrun the grammer police" Wilkinson

It's easy and pretty and feels good. I've done a ton of them now, and there are a couple of things to know. First, either cover the rest of the bike or shellac the bars with the stem clamped in a workstand. I suppose shellac, even dried, would come right off a good paint job, but I don't want to know for sure. Next, understand that the more coats the better, but be patient and let each coat dry well. The finished product will wear from your hands and from contact with other things, but these bruises are just a touch-up away from invisible. Although I've heretofore done all mine with cheap hardware store brand shellac, after a few recoatings over time the finish gets pretty cloudy. I suspect the high grade, dewaxed flakes I've just ordered will be an improvement in that area. I also think a good cleaning, with time allow for drying before shellacking, will probably help, and I'm going to do that from now on.
Jeff Slotkin
TheLocalSpoke
Goose Creek, SC