31.   As successive coats are applied, the wet shellac partly dissolves the previous layer and bonds to it.

32.   Basically, however, you achieve the degree of sheen or gloss you want by applying more coats.

33.   Be sure to apply thin coats, with a brush.

34.   Better yet, in my opinion, apply one coat of semitransparent stain.

35.   A final resort is to apply a coat of BIN before finishing.

36.   A possible cure is to apply a coat of masonry sealer, which will make the stone and the mortar more water resistant.

37.   A. If you can get it, apply two coats of any oil-based floor paint.

38.   A. After re-sanding, apply three coats of an oil-based polyurethane varnish.

39.   A. Scrape and sand as much as possible and apply two coats of a solid latex stain.

40.   After applying each coat of sealer, you must let it dry then sand it smooth with very fine sandpaper.