This process when repeated several times gives a good "egg-shell" finish.

It may be applied alone over stained wood or the shellac itself may be colored with aniline dyes cut in alcohol.

This, for example, is an easy way to get a black finish.
A good waterproof wood polish is made thus: 1 pint alcohol, 2 oz.

gum benzoin, 1/4 oz.

gum sandarac, 1/4 oz.