I have been using garnet shelac and it will duplicate th WW red and many of the old makers red. I recomend a coat of poly over it to give it a longer life.
bill
Bill,
NEVER put polyurethane over shellac. The underlying shellac will not support the poly when exposed to sweat or water, and they will separate and peel. Shellac is a very soft finish made from bugs' bodies that holds up poorly to wear from handling and moisture. It looks good when applied as French Polish, but does not hold up well at all. Good for picture frames and interior furniture. But you already knew that.
JR
