Home DIY Series – Water Resistant Primer For All Wood Types

Shellac is a very useful finish and sealer as it bonds well with many other finishes.

Shellac is used in the “french polish” technique of finishing, and therefore any project striving to create or restore a french polish finish would require its use. Craftsmen desiring a food-safe finish should also consider shellac since it is entirely food safe when completely cured and dried.

Directions:
Apply using a rag or brush. If using a rag, fold a lint-free cloth into multiple layers as this will hold more shellac. Sweep the rag across the workpiece in a smooth motion to prevent streaks. If using a brush, shellac should be applied using long strokes in the direction of the grain to prevent brush marks when dry. Be careful during application not to trap air bubbles in the shellac layer.

Shellac should be applied in several coats (3 to 5 coats) allowing between 10 to 30 minutes to dry. For best results, carefully sand each layer before the next coat. After sanding, the piece should be wiped clean with a tack cloth before the next coat is applied. Shellac must be throughly dry before sanding. If still tacky, sanding is impossible as the sandpaper will clog. When applying the
French Polish technique, shellac should be applied in multiple coats and sanded until the desired appearance is achieved.

Caution:
Keep out of reach of children. Non-toxic but harmful if swallowed and when in contact with eyes. Shellac is very vulnerable to alcohol and heat. Use remaining shellac contents within 6 months or discard as polymerisation may occur. Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.