Padding shellac question...

[CPDDET]

Plan on padding shellac but have a question for those experienced with shellac.

If I want to apply 2-3 coats and have to wait an hour between coats, how do I keep the pad from drying out between coats?

Use a new pad for each coat?

Leave the pad soaking in the shellac?

 

[Y.T.]

I have very diluted shellac. It is diluted with 100% alcohol. It dries almost instantly being absorbed by the wood. By the time I apply it on the mast or yard the end I started from is ready to get new coat. I apply up to about 10 coats till I get proper shade depth. 

[CPDDET]

27 minutes ago, Y.T. said:

I have very diluted shellac. It is diluted with 100% alcohol. It dries almost instantly being absorbed by the wood. By the time I apply it on the mast or yard the end I started from is ready to get new coat. I apply up to about 10 coats till I get proper shade depth. 

I assume your starting with a 3# cut, like Zisnsser Bullseye, before diluting?

[SiriusVoyager]

If I am understanding what you are asking correctly, I think that the simplest solution would be to take a separate clean empty jar and keep the pad in there with just a tiny bit of denatured alcohol.   

 

I used to keep a paint brush in my jar of shellac and it was fine, but a pad would be a bit more tricky to remove without making a mess when you are ready to use it.  Be careful with the jar that you are keeping the shellac in.  I had to throw that brush and the jar away when I allowed too much shellac to accumulate on the threads of the jar/lid.  I was unable to open it no matter how hard I tried.  Now before I close the jar I wipe the lid and the top of the jar with a small bit of alcohol on a paper towel and make sure that is dry before putting the lid back on.

[Desertanimal]

I’ve never actually padded shellac but Eric is absolutely correct. I’ve seen finishers put their pads in little jars, a dab of alcohol if it’s drying out. By the time you’re ready to use it the alcohol will be in the pad so you can usually just dump it into your hand. 
Chris

[Y.T.]

1 hour ago, CPDDET said:

I assume your starting with a 3# cut, like Zisnsser Bullseye, before diluting?

I made my own from flakes. I would try to dilute the one sold in cans at 50% (half - half) with 100% alcohol. Try a small portion to see how you like it.