Shellac flakes are a natural resin derived from the secretions of the female lac bug [Kerria lacca], primarily found in India and Thailand. In woodworking, these flakes are dissolved in high-purity alcohol [typically denatured alcohol] to create a versatile, fast-drying, and repairable finish. How to Mix Your Own To prepare a standard cut, you will need an airtight glass jar, a scale, and denatured alcohol. * Measure: A common starting point is a two-pound cut, which means dissolving 2 oz of flakes in 8 fl oz of alcohol. * Grind: Use a coffee grinder or a pestle and mortar to turn the flakes into powder this significantly speeds up the dissolving process. * Mix: Add the shellac to the alcohol in the jar. Adding it the other way around can cause the flakes to clump at the bottom. * Wait: Shake periodically. The mixture usually takes a few hours to a full day to dissolve completely. * Filter: Once dissolved, pour the liquid through a paint filter or cheesecloth to remove any impurities. Application Tips * Methods: You can apply shellac using a brush, a spray gun, or a hand-made pad [for French polishing]. * Quick Drying: It typically dries in minutes, allowing you to apply multiple coats in a single day. * Layering: New coats melt into previous ones, so you dont necessarily need to sand between layers unless you need to remove dust nibs.
