Shellac

Shellac facts.

Shellac is a natural organic resin that comes from a bug called Laccifera Lacca. It was first used on wood as a protective coating in 1590.

The top 4 uses of shellac are pharmaceuticals, candy, hats, and food coatings. Wood finish is #8.

Brushing it dose not cause bubbles. First coat is dry withen 1 hour and second coat should dry overnight. On wood it needs a week to be fully “cured”.

ADVANTAGES:

1. Non-yellowing when compared to varnish and cellulose-nitrate based lacquers.

2. Quick-drying. Many shellacked items can used the same day or shortly thereafter.

3. Superior adhesion -- no other type finish can surpass it.

4. Excellent as a sealer coat to raise the fibers of the wood for subsequent sanding. Also seals in finishing contaminants such as silicone, waxes, dirt and oils.

5. Ease of repair. Because shellac re-dissolves in alcohol, scratches and other minor surface imperfections can be invisibly repaired by re-applying shellac to the damaged area. The new shellac melts into the old shellac allowing for perfect repair work.

6. Ease of removal. Old and new shellac can be removed with denatured alcohol which eliminates the need for harmful and toxic strippers.

7. Can be wiped on (padded), brushed or sprayed -- all with good results.

8. FDA approved -- safe for food utensils and children's toys.

DISADVANTAGES

1. It re-dissolves in alcohol so perfumes and strong alcoholic beverages like whiskey will mar the surface.

2. Forms white rings on contact with water. This is more of a problem with shellacs that have wax and old shellac surfaces.

3. Tendency to show scratches. The resistance to scratches can be improved by a simple waxing.

4. Has a shelf life after mixed in alcohol.

5. Not resistant to alkaline compounds. Alkaline chemicals such as lye and ammonia discolors and mars shellac because of its acidic composition.

These chemicals are frequently found in household cleaning products.

6. Sensitivity to heat -- shellac starts to soften at about 150 degrees F.

7. Hot items can mar the surface.

There are many advantages to using shellac. Low toxicity, ease of application, and ease of repair are the best reasons to use shellac. Yet, like any finish, there are some disadvantages which are mentioned below. However, some of the reasons people cite as the disadvantages of shellac are based on misconceptions. Two of the most common ones can be easily explained. The first is that it won't dry. This problem can be avoided by using freshly dissolved shellac flakes. The second complaint against shellac is poor moisture resistance. This can be overcome by using dewaxed shellac and fresh product. Shellac is dated on bottom of the can. It has a 3 year shelf life. Don’t use old shellac in cans.


	Home
			Shellac
			Shellac facts. Shellac is a natural organic resin that comes from a bug called Laccifera Lacca. It was first used on wood as a protective coating in 1590. The top 4 uses of shellac are pharmaceuticals, candy, hats, and food coatings. Wood finish is #8. Brushing it dose not cause bubbles. First coat is dry withen 1 hour and second coat should dry overnight. On wood it needs a week to be fully “cured”. ADVANTAGES: 1. Non-yellowing when compared to varnish and cellulose-nitrate based lacquers. 2. Quick-drying. Many shellacked items can used the same day or shortly thereafter. 3. Superior adhesion -- no other type finish can surpass it. 4. Excellent as a sealer coat to raise the fibers of the wood for subsequent sanding. Also seals in finishing contaminants such as silicone, waxes, dirt and oils. 5. Ease of repair. Because shellac re-dissolves in alcohol, scratches and other minor surface imperfections can be invisibly repaired by re-applying shellac to the damaged area. The new shellac melts into the old shellac allowing for perfect repair work. 6. Ease of removal. Old and new shellac can be removed with denatured alcohol which eliminates the need for harmful and toxic strippers. 7. Can be wiped on (padded), brushed or sprayed -- all with good results. 8. FDA approved -- safe for food utensils and children's toys. DISADVANTAGES 1. It re-dissolves in alcohol so perfumes and strong alcoholic beverages like whiskey will mar the surface. 2. Forms white rings on contact with water. This is more of a problem with shellacs that have wax and old shellac surfaces. 3. Tendency to show scratches. The resistance to scratches can be improved by a simple waxing. 4. Has a shelf life after mixed in alcohol. 5. Not resistant to alkaline compounds. Alkaline chemicals such as lye and ammonia discolors and mars shellac because of its acidic composition. These chemicals are frequently found in household cleaning products. 6. Sensitivity to heat -- shellac starts to soften at about 150 degrees F. 7. Hot items can mar the surface. There are many advantages to using shellac. Low toxicity, ease of application, and ease of repair are the best reasons to use shellac. Yet, like any finish, there are some disadvantages which are mentioned below. However, some of the reasons people cite as the disadvantages of shellac are based on misconceptions. Two of the most common ones can be easily explained. The first is that it won't dry. This problem can be avoided by using freshly dissolved shellac flakes. The second complaint against shellac is poor moisture resistance. This can be overcome by using dewaxed shellac and fresh product. Shellac is dated on bottom of the can. It has a 3 year shelf life. Don’t use old shellac in cans.

Home