Re: [CR]Shellacking handlebar tape

(Example: Framebuilders:Doug Fattic)

Date: Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:10:48 -0400
From: "Edward Albert" <Edward.H.Albert@hofstra.edu>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>, <beandk@rcn.com>
Subject: Re: [CR]Shellacking handlebar tape


David, I use your run of the mill hardware store canned shellac. I did some research on buying shellac crystals (which are available on the net) but the canned stuff works fine so I did not pursue it. The crystals are expensive and, I think, much more work. As to color, depends on what look you want. For 20s and 30s bikes I usually use two coats of amber colored shellac. More modern track bikes, clear. I Always use at least two coats. The amber will make the tape darker and look somewhat used. It also depends on what color cloth tape you are using. White tape with amber shellac, I think, really looks good. Amber on color tape will change the color so you want to ck if you like the results before doing a wrapped bar. Edward Albert Chappaqua, New York, U.S.A.
>>> "David Bean" <beandk@rcn.com> 07/23/08 8:45 AM >>> What kind of shellac should one use for this? (Old-fashioned clear real shellac?) How many coats should be used?

Thanks

David Bean
Arlington, MA USA
beandk at are-see-enn dot com