Hi Roger,

: I used shellac on an oak table top and it is highly sensitive to heat. Got
: serious problems from placing a mug of hot coffee on the table fro just a
: few minutes.

Heat, and also moisture from things like a hot mug. I hope the table came back ok after that.

: Don't think I'd want to risk my boat to it after all the
: effort of building it.

Yep, agreed, that's why I'm researching first. It's been said many times that epoxy seems ok over shellac, but maybe that's in the arctic, and it wouldn't work here, in the heat & humidity. I haven't found enough info yet but might do a test panel or two, and see what results.

: So why use oak in the first place? It's awfully
: heavy, and you certainly don't need that strength for a kayak. Though
: someone on this board built a boat, at least his hull, with red oak and I
: don't recall him reporting any finishing problems with epoxy.

Oak? Not me - I wouldn't even know where to get some over here

I'm just thinking of the shellac since I'd quite like the colour over some white pine. I've used shellac on furniture without too many hassles, and was thinking of putting a small feature at the bow & stern on my deck.

I have seen references to shellac over epoxy (sounds weird), and also epoxy over shellac (more like what I was thinking since it would seal the shellac from water).

: Roger T.
: Orr's Island, ME

Peter...