Reply To: Shellac Question
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Ken,
I prefer to mix my own shellac so that I can control the cut. Store flakes in a tightly sealed freezer ziplock bag in the refrigerator for longest life. Once mixed shellac is usually good for about 6 months if stored in a tightly sealed Mason jar (for canning). I’ve had mixed shellac still be good for about a year. It should be tested on scrap before using though if stored for more than a few months. Simply brush it onto a piece of scrap wood and let it dry. If its not completely dry in 30-60 minutes throw it out. If it is gummy or sticky in the slightest toss it. You have invested too much time in a project by that point to chance ruining it to save a couple of bucks on a finish. I love shellac because it is easy, food safe, natural, low VOC, and versatle. It can be used as a sanding sealer to lock in a stain and/or fill the grain and/or for glazing techniques. It can be equally well used as a top coat finish. I’ve attached 2 a documents for you. One that discusses some of the MANY ways shellac is used and the other a reference I use for various finishing options and methods. BTW, don’t let anyone tell you shellac is not water resistant (its not waterproof, but I have used it successfully in bathrooms and on radiator covers. One of the few things shellac is NOT good for is areas where it will come in contact with alcohol of any kind (alcohol is THE solvent for shellac after all). One of its greatest benefits is that wiping with alcohol will readily dissolve the finish. This is handy in fixing drips during application, restoring shellac finished furniture, or trying to fix rings from drinking glasses. Good luck and I hope this info helps.