I need some advice re: shellac drips

I'm hand-brushing shellac (premixed, from a can) onto my new walnut dulcimer, and although most of the finish looks absolutely great, I'm having a big problem with drips and runs. The stuff dries so fast that it's too sticky to brush out by the time I find the drips.

Should I:

1. Sand or steel-wool the drips off?

2. Redissolve the drips with ethanol and resurface the finish, or

3. Something else I haven't though of yet?

I usually spray or hand-rub finishes on my dulcimers, so I'm not familiar with the best method of avoiding or correcting drips ona brushed-shellac finish. Your advice would be much appreciated!