Shellac is really easy to use, and if you get it wrong, it's also easy to rub it off and go back a step. Modern lacquer finishes have lots of nice properties,

Shellac is really easy to use, and if you get it wrong, it's also easy to rub it off and go back a step. Modern lacquer finishes have lots of nice properties, but it is not as forgiving to use. And it is more difficult to repair.