Jake Spiller wrote:

>       ................Now for my real question, I want to finish
> my two interior french doors.  I plan to use a half pound shellac for the
> first coat, one pound for coat #2.  Subsequent coats will be a varish,
> boiled liseed oil, and turpentine.  Will this be strong in the long term
> or should I go with a poly.

I don't recall anyone addressing this yet. Though I don't consider
myself an expert on finishes (especially for architectural woodwork),
I'll venture into this in the hopes that others will bring their
expertise to bear.  Of course, no one else will have an opinion.  ;-)

As to protection, it's my impression that a fair amount of woodwork in
the victorian era was finished with shellac.  While this may not be as
durable as varnish, it has often held up fairly well. Might not be the
best bet  if these doors see a lot of traffic/usage.

I must admit, though, that I'm a little puzzled why you are wanting to
follow the wash coats of shellac with the varnish/oil/turpentine
mixture.  I've used that mixture, but have always handled it essentially
as an "oil finish."  By that I mean, it is brushed or wiped on bare
wood, allowed to sit/soak-in for a bit then all excess is vigorously
rubbed off. This process is repeated.  This results in a finish which
appears much like an oil finish, but has a tiny bit of varnish build-up
to give a little added protection (A little additional protection can be
gained by using spar varnish in the mixture).

If you are after an oil finish look, then I would think you would want
to go straight to the mixture and skip the wash coats of shellac. 
Another alternative is to use a wiping varnish, which gives similar
results.  One product I've used in this fashion is "Waterlox" (tm). I
can't say with certainty, but think this approach should give adequate
protection in most interior applications.  

The down side is that it may need replenishing from time to time.  The
up side is that this can be done without having to strip and refinish.

If you are after more protection and like the looks of a built finish,
then I would recommend simply following the wash coats of shellac with a
good quality varnish. 

Now, does anyone else have an opinion?  8-) 

Don McConnell
Knox County, Ohio