Applying shellac to the soundboard

Today, soundboards often receive a few thin coats of shellac as a finish. In past centuries the old makers sometimes applied nothing at all, or they used a wash coat of dilute hide glue. Probably the latter was intended to seal the soundboard surface before painting it, but the brittle quality of dried hide glue is thought to have a positive effect on the soundboard's tone.

I decided to apply shellac because it offers a modicum of protection against humidity, though shellac is not very resistant to liquid water. I don't have experience with hide glue, so perhaps in some future project I'll explore this particular use for it.

After sanding the soundboard, the walnut moldings, the bridge and the nut one last time, I applied a couple of coats of dewaxed blond shellac, sanding very lightly after the first coat to knock down any raised grain. The end result was a more golden appearance for the soundboard and a subtle sheen. The walnut items darkened and received a pleasing gloss.

My soundboard rose is a two-part ornament. The first part was glued to the underside of the soundboard hole a long time ago; the second part is a decorative ring that surrounds the hole from above. Before applying the shellac, I covered the hole perimeter with masking tape to preserve an unfinished gluing surface. After the last coat of shellac dried, I glued down the ring with fish glue. The result is rather nice: