Shellac

Shellac is one of the oldest wood finishes still in use today. A natural resin produced by the lac bug (Laccifer lacca), it has been used for centuries to enhance and protect fine furniture, musical instruments and decorative woodwork. Most shellac is harvested in India, where deposits left by lac bugs on host trees are collected by hand, refined and processed into dry flakes. These flakes are dissolved in alcohol to create a liquid finish that can be applied by padding, brushing, spraying or French polishing. Depending on the amount of natural dye remaining after processing, shellac ranges in color from pale blonde to rich amber. Favored for its warm appearance and exceptional clarity, shellac dries quickly, often within 30 minutes, and can typically be recoated in about an hour. Each coat partially dissolves into the previous one, creating a single finish coating without the need for sanding between applications. It is also an excellent sealer, helping to reduce blotching on difficult woods and prevent resin bleed-through. All our shellac is de-waxed to prevent adhesion issues when used this way. Shellac as finish is only suited to interior projects. While it provides moderate wear resistance and is easy to repair, it offers limited protection against water, heat and alcohol. For this reason, it is generally recommended for furniture, cabinetry, trim and decorative work rather than table tops or countertops.