Wood finishing can be a tedious and time-consuming process, often requiring multiple steps and waiting for drying times. However, there is a simple wood finish that can save you days of shop time – shellac. In this article, we will explore why shellac is a great wood finish, how to use it effectively, and when it is the best choice for your projects.

Why Choose Shellac as a Wood Finish?

Shellac offers several advantages that make it an excellent choice for wood finishing.

  • First, it is fast and easy to apply. Unlike other finishes that require intricate techniques or drying times, shellac can be simply wiped onto the wood surface. Its self-dissolving properties also allow for easy fixes if any mistakes are made during application.
  • Additionally, shellac dries quickly, allowing you to proceed to the next coat almost immediately. This means that the finishing process can be completed in just a few minutes or hours, depending on the size of the project, rather than several days as with other finishes.
  • Shellac also has excellent adherence to other finishes, and vice versa. Whether you want to apply shellac over another finish like tung oil or polyurethane, or apply another finish over shellac, it will stick effectively.
  • Environmentally friendly, shellac is made from the excretion of the Lac Beetle and contains no petroleum products. It is even used as a food coating. Shellac emits a pleasant odor and is safe for use in drawers and cabinets.
  • Another advantage of shellac is its availability in different colors, allowing you to customize the finish according to the wood type or desired aesthetic. Whether you want a light blonde, orange, or deep brown finish, shellac offers options to bring out the best in your wood.

When to Use Shellac

While shellac offers many advantages as a wood finish, it may not be suitable for all projects.

  • Shellac does not produce a durable, plasticky shell like polyurethane or other modern finishes. Therefore, it may not be the best choice for tabletops or other surfaces that require high durability.
  • One of the main reasons shellac is not widely used anymore is because some people find it intimidating. However, with a basic understanding of a few key points, using shellac becomes quite simple.
  • If you are new to shellac, it is recommended to start with pre-mixed cans available in stores. These cans come in two versions – seal coat and regular shellac. Both are pure shellac, but seal coat is extra thin and can be used as a sanding sealer to prevent wood from absorbing stain or blotching. The regular shellac is more concentrated and can be diluted with alcohol to achieve the desired consistency.
  • It is important to note that if you plan to apply another type of finish over shellac, it is crucial to use de-waxed shellac. Only the seal coat version is de-waxed, allowing for compatibility with other finishes.

How to Make Shellac from Flakes

If you prefer to mix your own shellac, it is a straightforward process.

  • Start with shellac flakes and denatured alcohol. The desired ratio is a four-to-one formula, meaning four times the liquid measurement in ounces of alcohol as compared to the weight measurement of flakes in ounces. For example, if you want to make a quart of shellac, mix 32 ounces of alcohol with 8 ounces of flakes.
  • Weigh the shellac flakes using a scale, and if desired, grind them into a powder using a dedicated coffee grinder to ensure a faster dissolution.
  • Measure the appropriate amount of denatured alcohol using a liquid measuring scale and mix it with the weighed shellac flakes.
  • Stir the mixture until the flakes are fully dissolved, and your homemade shellac is ready to use. Keep in mind that once the flakes are dissolved, the shellac has a limited shelf life of around six months.

By following these guidelines, you can achieve a beautiful, quick, and easy wood finish using shellac. Its versatility, ease of use, and fast drying time make it a valuable tool in any woodworker’s arsenal. Whether you are refinishing furniture or completing a new project, shellac can save you days of shop time and provide excellent results. Give shellac a try and experience the benefits for yourself!