Shel-lac was a very common finish during the civil ware era. One must remember during this time period, most people still lived on farms. Shellac is a natural resin. It is produced by insects.
What is the drawback of shellac?
Well, the finish is not as hard as varnish or polyurethane. Shellac tends to scratch easily in high use or high traffic areas. Shellac does not protect outdoor furniture near as well as varnish or polyurethane.
Shellac is also highly flammable. It should never be applied in the presence of an open flame, including a pilot light or cigarette.
Why use shellac?
Shellac is non toxic. If you have small children or pets, shellac is a good choice. It is a good choice to finish baby furniture and toys. Also, you don’t have to open any windows because there is no varnish smell left behind. Another good feature of shellac is the finish will almost never yellow or darken with age. The color of the wood stays true with Shellac.
How to use shellac?
Well, the first thing you do is check the date on the can of shellac. Most have a
shelf life of just six months. There are some forms of shellac that come in a small rock or pebble sized
material that can be mixed with denatured alcohol. If you are going to thin the shellac
for an easier finish, thin the shellac with two parts denatured alcohol to five parts
shellac. Expect to put on three or four coats for a long lasting finish. Wait about 45
to 60 minutes between coats.
How do I apply shellac?
Well, you have three choices. Brush it on, spray it on or wipe it on.
Spraying it on would work best with an HVLP type sprayer. The nozzle must be one for thicker
materials though. Be sure everyone in the room wears a respirator. Brushing
it on is what most
people do. A 2 or 3 inch china bristle brush works best. Clean the brush with denatured
alcohol or a mixture of one part ammonia to one part water. Remember, use long full even
strokes. To wipe it on start with an old, clean T-Shirt that is 100 percent cotton. Fold it into
a palm sized pad and dip it into the shellac. Again, use long strokes please. Avoid
rubbing in circles because that will result in an uneven finish. Toss the T-shirt pad in the
trash when you are done. Which ever method you choose, be sure to apply thin coats
following the wood grain using long strokes form one end to the other. Be sure
to keep a wet edge.
Which shellac should I buy?
Be sure to select a clear for a nearly transparent finish, select amber for wood
stained with a golden oak stain for a warm honey tone.
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