Why Choose Shellac?
Looking for a safe, non-toxic finish for your woodworking project? Shellac offers the best of both worlds: a stunning, high-clarity finish and an environmentally friendly, non-toxic solution. Ideal for antique restoration, furniture refinishing, cabinetry, architectural woodwork, musical instruments, children’s toys, and even food-contact items like bowls and utensils, shellac is a versatile and time-tested choice.
What Is Shellac?
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac beetle (Kerria lacca), which is harvested from trees in Southeast Asia. Once collected, the resin is cleaned, processed, and formed into thin sheets or flakes. The color of shellac varies based on factors like harvest timing and refinement level, with common shades including clear, amber, orange, blonde, and garnet.
More Than Just a Wood Finish
Shellac is widely used in industries beyond woodworking. It serves as a coating for fruits and vegetables to enhance their shine, as well as a key ingredient in pill coatings and some hair sprays. If it’s safe enough for food and medicine, it’s an excellent choice for finishing wooden toys and kitchenware.
Shellac’s Versatile Applications in Woodworking
Enhance Wood Grain
Shellac’s clarity highlights the natural grain of woods like ash, birch, cherry, hickory, and pine, creating a warm, rich finish.
Use as a Wood Conditioner
Applying shellac before staining prevents uneven absorption, ensuring a more consistent color.
Seal and Protect Wood
Shellac seals the ends of wet timbers, regulating moisture loss and reducing warping, splitting, and cracking.
Skip the Stain
All shellac varieties add some color to wood, so instead of using a stain, consider letting shellac naturally enhance the wood’s appearance. It also prevents pine pitch from bleeding.
Create a Barrier Coat
Shellac prevents finishes with the same base (such as oil-based stains and varnishes) from bleeding into each other. It also works as a barrier between incompatible finishes, ensuring a smooth application.
Improve Surface Preparation
If old finish residue lingers in wood pores after stripping, applying shellac and then stripping again can help pull out the remaining gunk.
Use as a Sanding Sealer
A thinned “spit coat” of shellac stiffens wood fibers, making sanding and planing easier for a smoother finish.
Apply Over Mystery Finishes
Unsure what finish is on a piece of wood? Shellac adheres to almost anything except wax, making it a great option when refinishing unknown coatings.
Key Properties of Shellac
- Non-Yellowing: Unlike many varnishes and lacquers, shellac maintains its original color over time.
- Hard-Drying: Forms a durable surface that resists gumming and is easy to repair since new layers bond with existing ones.
- Low Odor: Almost odorless when dry, making it ideal for indoor projects.
- Fast Drying: Dries in under two hours, reducing dust contamination and allowing for multiple coats in a single day.
- Tintable: Can be mixed with pigments or dyes to create custom colors.
- Food-Safe: Once cured, shellac is a non-toxic, food-safe finish, making it great for kitchenware and children’s furniture.
How to Apply Shellac
Preparing Shellac
Shellac is typically sold in liquid form or as flakes that must be dissolved in denatured alcohol. Check the expiration date on liquid shellac, as it has a limited shelf life. Mixing flakes allows for better control over the consistency and freshness of the finish.
For best results, use high-quality alcohol—200 proof (less than 5% denaturants) is recommended. Flakes may take up to 24 hours to dissolve fully, so plan ahead.
Brushing on Shellac
- Use a 2″-3″ natural-bristle brush.
- Load half the brush with shellac.
- Apply in thin coats, following the wood grain.
- Allow at least two hours between coats.
- Apply at least three coats for durability.
Wipe-On Application
- Use a slightly thinner mix for wipe-on application.
- Use a clean, 100% cotton T-shirt folded into a palm-sized pad.
- Dip into shellac and apply in straight, even strokes.
- Avoid rubbing to prevent an uneven finish.
Spit Coating
A spit coat is an extra-thin shellac mixture, used to stiffen wood fibers before sanding or to act as a barrier coat between finishes. Follow the product instructions for the correct ratio.
Final Touches
For added depth and durability, apply a high-quality wax over shellac, especially on high-use surfaces like tabletops.
Conclusion
Shellac is a time-honored, eco-friendly, and versatile wood finish that offers excellent clarity, durability, and ease of use. Whether restoring an antique, refinishing furniture, or working on a new build, shellac provides a safe and effective finishing solution. Once you’ve tried shellac, you may never go back!
