[Harp-L] Back to Shellac

[Bobbie Giordano <bogio@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

As illustrious a long history as shellac has had for sealing woods [and
metals too] and making them all shiny and pretty, I don't think I'd recommend
it for wood harps, mainly for one reason, maybe two.

A shellac coating is very hard and durable, true, and also penetrates the
wood well.  But, it has one major enemy... moisture!  It is not recommended
for use on woods that will be exposed to the elements or wet conditions in
general.  Moisture will cause it to break down and deteriorate, hence, not
something I'd think was good in a typical harmonica environment.

The other problem as I see it is the solvent for shellac is alcohol. ;)

A pretty informative article on this is here:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home_improvement/smart_consumer/1274601.html

Last but not least... you do realize the source of shellac is bug secretions!
 Another pleasant thought, I guess.  yechh!!  The name itself is derived from
Persian and Hindu origins meaning 100,000 -- a reference to the myriad
insects commonly called "lac bugs" which produce the enormous quantities of
goo that's made into shellac.

I think one of the less toxic polyurethanes is still your best bet for
sealing wood harp combs.

... if I liked wood combs. ;)

Bobbie