Shellac
Shellac
SHELLAC EXPERTISE
What is Shellac?
Shellac is a so-called spirit varnish. The word "spiritus" comes from Latin and means "spirit" or "breath". This term was already used in the Middle Ages for distilled liquids, but today the term "spirit" is usually used colloquially to refer to methylated spirits. However, pure alcohol content (96%) is used to prepare Shellac, not methylated spirits. Methylated spirits also consist of Alcohol content, but usually have methanol additives.
Spirit varnish is therefore a varnish that is prepared using 96 per cent ethanol as a solvent. Its solid component consists mainly of resins. A special shape of this isShellac, a natural resin that differs from others in that it does not come from trees, but from insects (lice). Due to its excellent properties, it is therefore the most commonly used spirit varnish today.
The branches of the host trees become increasingly covered in the resin of the female aphids and eventually die - as do the animals.
Shellac itself is a resinous product obtained from the excretions of the lacquer scale insect (Kerria lacca). These tiny insects live mainly on certain trees in tropical regions such as India and Thailand.
Production of Shellac
The resinous excretions are collected and cleaned. The resin is then pressed into sheet form and then crushed or ground. The varnish is produced by dissolving it in alcohol content. It is a purely natural product and is valued for its environmentally friendly properties.
What types of Shellac are there?
There are different tints.
Depending on the Manufacturer, there are different designations that can describe both the degree of tinting and the quality.
For example, you will find the following types of Shellac in the DICTUM shop:
Astra - Decoloured and highly transparent, for clear polishes.
Komet - Orange, for polishes with a slight tint.
Superior - Reddish, for polishes with a clear tint and for accentuating the grain.
The flaky Shellac is usually dissolved with pure Alcohol content. It is applied in several coats using a brush or bale. The flaked shellacs on offer are highly pure, dewaxed and can be mixed with each other to achieve specific shades.
Liquid Shellac,Astra
Liquid Shellac, Comet
Liquid Shellac, Superior
Liquid Shellac with optimum mixing ratio for immediate use. Our product consists only of high-purity, dewaxed shellac flakes and pure Ethanol (alcohol 96 %).
Garde which Colour you choose - even application of the layers is the be-all and end-all of Shellac polish.
Properties of Shellac
Shellac has a number of remarkable properties that set it apart from other types of varnish:
- Natural base: 100% biodegradable and sustainable.
- Versatility: Can be used as a clear varnish or coloured varnish as it is available in various natural shades.
- Quick-drying: Dries quickly and shapes a smooth, glossy surface.
- Repairable: Easy to repair as new coats can seamlessly cover old ones.
- Alcohol soluble: Easy to apply and remove.
- Food-safe: Suitable for surfaces that come into contact with food.
Despite its many advantages, Shellac also has some weaknesses:
- Sensitivity: Not resistant to Alcohol content, water and high temperatures.
- Limited weather resistance: Not suitable for outdoor use.
- Processing effort: It takes some practice to achieve a perfect surface.
Areas of application for Shellac
Shellac is used in a variety of areas:
- Furniture construction: It gives wood a warm, elegant sheen and emphasises the natural grain.
- Musical instruments: Many high-quality musical instruments, such as violins or pianos, are finished with Shellac.
- Restoration: Shellac is indispensable in the preservation and restoration of historical objects due to its authenticity.
- Medicine and cosmetics: Shellac is used as a protective layer in tablet coatings or nail varnishes.
- Food industry: Shellac is used as a coating agent for fruit or sweets.
Step-by-step instructions for shellac polishing
Stock solution:
To obtain approximately one litre of stock solution, we recommend mixing 370 g Shellac with 765 ml Alcohol content. The stock solution is later filtered for the application and adjusted to a water-thin consistency.
This is usually done by feel and is highly dependent on the quality and age of the Shellac. For half a litre, we recommend 160 ml stock solution and 340 ml Alcohol content as a guide. Bottles with cork closures or apothecary bottles are best suited for storage, as the metal lids of disposable jars can react with the Shellac.
Bales:
The most important tool for shellac polishing is the bale. It consists of a wool or cotton core (e.g. No. 810008) wrapped in a lint-free linen or cotton cloth(No. 810029).
Oil:
Is added to the bale in very small quantities. It acts as a lubricant and is removed from the surface at the end of the polishing process. Paraffin oil is usually used for French polishing, but camellia oil is also suitable
The classic shellac surface is created in several work phases:
- Base polish - In this first step, the pores of the wood are filled with a mixture of Shellac and fine pumice powder.
- Top polish - Several layers, which have to dry in between, create a closed and even surface. Depending on the type of wood and preparation, 2 to 6 coats are required.
- Polishing - To achieve the typical lustre, a final polish is applied with a very thin shellac solution, with the addition of benzoin tincture if necessary.
Alternative brush application technique without shellac polish:
If you prefer not to use the traditional technique with a polishing ball, Shellac can also be applied using a brush only. However, this method does not achieve the same high gloss level. Nevertheless, this simplified version offers many of the positive properties of a classic shellac finish.
For best results, we recommend a high-quality brush(no. 706109)
- Primer - A thin shellac solution is brushed on and smoothed with 220 Grit Abrasive paper sandpaper (e.g. Garde 706394) after drying.
- Top coats - For the top coats, we recommend at least three more coats, each without intermediate sanding.
- Fine sanding (optional) - If the result is not yet optimal, it can be reworked with 400 Grit Abrasive paper sandpaper before the last coat.
Tips for using Shellac
- Store Shellac flakes in a cool, dry place as they are sensitive to moisture.
- Experiment with the concentration to achieve the desired viscosity.
- Allow sufficient time for drying and curing.
Shellac is a unique and versatile Material that impresses with its natural properties, aesthetics and ease of application.
Whether in restoration, arts and crafts or wood finishing - Shellac offers a sustainable and high-quality solution for sophisticated surfaces.
With the right technique and care, Shellac can be used to achieve stunning results that combine tradition and elegance. As a natural product with a lengthy history, it is an indispensable Material for anyone who values quality and sustainability.
