In the world of wood finishing, shellac was once considered the best and most widely used finish. However, modern finish manufacturers have convinced woodworkers that shellac is old-fashioned, and many have turned to polyurethane as their go-to finish. But what they don’t realize is that shellac offers numerous benefits that make it a fantastic choice for finishing wood. In this article, we will explore why you should be using shellac, how to use it effectively, and when it is the best option for your woodworking projects.
Key Points:
- Shellac is fast and easy to apply.
- It has no drying time, allowing you to apply multiple coats quickly.
- Shellac adheres well to other finishes, and other finishes adhere to it.
- It is easy to repair, even years down the road.
- Shellac is environmentally friendly and safe, containing no petroleum products.
- It comes in various colors, allowing for customization and creating unique wood finishes.
Shellac is highly regarded for its ease of application and quick drying time. Unlike other finishes, which may require days to dry, shellac dries so fast that you can often apply the next coat immediately after the previous one is finished. This means that you can complete the entire finishing process in minutes or a few hours, depending on the size of your project.
One of the reasons shellac fell out of favor is because it does not produce a bulletproof plasticky shell like polyurethane or other modern finishes. However, shellac can still be durable and has been used on floors for centuries. It is not recommended for tabletops due to its susceptibility to alcohol, which can dissolve the finish. Despite this, shellac’s ease of use and other benefits make it a great choice for many woodworking projects.
To get started using shellac, you have two options: buying pre-mixed cans or making your own from flakes. The pre-mixed cans come in two versions: “seal coat” and “shellac.” Both are pure shellac, but they have some differences. Seal coat is extra thin and works well as an undercoat for preventing wood from absorbing stain and blotching. It can also be used for the entire wood finish, but multiple coats may be required to build up a protective film. Shellac, on the other hand, is more concentrated and usually diluted with alcohol. Both versions have their advantages, and you may choose based on your own preferences and availability of materials.
It is important to note that natural shellac contains wax, which can impact the compatibility with other finishes. If you plan to apply a stain, lacquer, or polyurethane over the shellac, you must use dewaxed shellac, such as the seal coat version. The shelf life of shellac is generally three years, but once opened, the curing process slows down. It is advisable to test the shellac if it has been open for a few months to ensure its effectiveness.
When making shellac from flakes, you can customize the mixture to fit your project’s needs. The formula for a two-pound cut, which is commonly used, is to dissolve two pounds of flakes in one gallon of alcohol. However, you can adjust the measurements based on the volume of liquid and weight of flakes you need. It is recommended to start with a smaller amount for your first time and gradually experiment as you gain experience.
To dissolve the flakes, you will need denatured alcohol, which can be found in paint or camping departments of hardware stores. The purity of the alcohol is crucial, as excess water or impurities can affect the dissolution process and the quality of the finish. If denatured alcohol is not available, high-proof clear grain alcohol or pure isopropyl alcohol can be used as alternatives.
By understanding the benefits and nuances of shellac, you can confidently incorporate it into your woodworking projects. Its speed, ease of use, versatility, and environmental friendliness make it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. So, the next time you’re in your shop, consider picking up some shellac and experience the many advantages it has to offer.
