You have described the type of problem that led to the development of Wood Elixir. As a cleaner, turpentine will remove oil based material only leaving smears and a film residue. Alcohol will attack shellac which is how you found out that the finish was shellac. Will Wood Elixir give you the same results? No, better.
--Previous Message-- : I have an old walnut desk that is in need of : some attention. I tested the finish with : denatured alcohol and it is shellac. The : finish has some good and bad areas, mostly : dirt, scratches and crackling areas. : Before I discovered the "cliams" : of Wood Elixir I was prepared to clean : with turpintine and carefully revive the : finish with denatured alcohol and then : apply a new coat of shellac if necessary. : This will require some care and effort and : I'm wondering if Wood Elixir will give me : the same results. If not will it prevent : me from following through with my previous : plan? Thanks : : :