• Determine the “cut” and volume of shellac you plan to mix. • Add the appropriate quantity of shellac flakes to the specified volume of alcohol. (See chart.) • Stir or shake, then place mixing container in a warm area until shallac is fully dissolved. Stir or shake every 30 minutes. • After shellac is fully dissolved, strain the mixture through cheesecloth, white cotton
How do you dissolve shellac flakes?
Soak the flake shellac in about 1/2 of the total alcohol to be used for 24 hours or longer (cool room temperatures will slow the process; pulverize the button shellac to speed dissolving) stir occasionally and when dissolved add the balance of the alcohol. The consistency of shellac is determined by “cut”.
What alcohol do you mix with shellac flakes?
1:535:15Mixing Fresh Shellac from Flakes-Easy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn its place i'll use a 13 ounce pickle jar just make sure the jar you choose has a good rubber sealMoreIn its place i'll use a 13 ounce pickle jar just make sure the jar you choose has a good rubber seal on the inside of the cap. I'll be mixing a two pound cut of shellac pound cut is the measured unit
What do you dilute shellac with?
Shellac flakes are dissolved with alcohol. You also thin liquid shellac with alcohol. The exact ratio of alcohol to flakes (referred to as the pound-cut) isn't critical. The preferred alcohol to use is ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the same stuff booze is made from.
How long does it take shellac flakes to dissolve?
24 hoursMixing the shellac flakes is simply a matter of dissolving them and this usually takes 24 hours and sometimes more, depending on the temperature usually. If it's too cold it takes longer and you can use warm water baths to increase the temperature or other heat sources such as radiators.
What is the ratio of shellac to alcohol?
2:16 ratiocut liquid shellac use approximately a 2:16 ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol (2 oz. of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. of alcohol). Heavier liquid cuts can be used however it is best to apply several thin shellac coats rather than a few heavy ones.
How do you mix your own shellac?
2-pound cut in a pint of alcohol, use 4 ounces of flakes. Mix. Pour the alcohol into a glass container with a lid. Stir in the flakes, close the lid, and give the jar a shake every 10 minutes or so for an hour, then let it sit overnight for the flakes to dissolve.
Can you use acetone to thin shellac?
Because acetone is compatible or mixable with most finishes and stains, you can add the solvent to speed drying. Acetone is especially effective with shellac and every type of lacquer.
Can you use paint thinner to clean shellac?
To strip shellac and lacquer, you don't need a commercial remover. Instead, just use the appropriate solvent, mixing alcohol and lacquer thinner 50-50 to dissolve a combination shellac-lacquer finish.
How do you mix shellac flakes metric?
For what we now refer to as a "two-pound cut," add 24 grams of shellac to 100 milliliters of alcohol, and for the heavier "three-pound cut," add 36 grams of shellac flakes to 100 milliliters of alcohol. Any dilution ratio in between these numbers is also easy to calculate.
Do you sand between coats of shellac?
You should always lightly sand in between coats of shellac with sandpaper in the range of 320 to 400. Doing this helps the next coat to stick on better, and it also removes any flaws that may have been created in the application process. This ensures that small flaws don't compound over time.
How long does shellac last once mixed?
STORAGE. Once shellac flakes are mixed with alcohol, the mixture has a shelf life of no more than a year and a half. However, most of us discard shellac if it's more than two months old!
Do you Stir shellac?
Stir or shake every 30 minutes. After shellac is fully dissolved, strain the mixture through cheesecloth, white cotton cloth or a paint strainer. Store shellac mixture in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark location. A “2-pound cut” is a good starting point.
Can you mix shellac with methylated spirits?
The shellac flakes, when mixed with methylated spirits, forms the liquid french polish. Mixing & Preparing French Polish: Place the flakes into a plastic or glass re-sealable container (use only a small amount for your first try).
How do you mix shellac flakes metric?
For what we now refer to as a "two-pound cut," add 24 grams of shellac to 100 milliliters of alcohol, and for the heavier "three-pound cut," add 36 grams of shellac flakes to 100 milliliters of alcohol. Any dilution ratio in between these numbers is also easy to calculate.
How do you make shellac Dewaxed?
The ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol will vary depending on the cut of the mix. A 1-pound cut means that 1 pound of shellac flakes is mixed with 1 gallon of alcohol. To make a 2-pound cut, the ratio would be 2 parts of the flakes to 1 part alcohol. For a 3-pound cut the ratio is 3:1.
How do you dissolve a shellac button?
We ALWAYS recommend using DENATURED ABSOLUTE ALCOHOL to do this since its 100% pure with no water. Standard Methylated spirits can contain up to 30% water which will cause blooming when used for French polish, it will also dissolve the shellac much slower and the finished product can take much longer to dry.
How long does shellac last?
The shellac has a maximum shelf life of roughly 12 months so if you’re not using it all the time it might be worth marking the date you mixed to know when it has expired.
How much shellac is in a 1 lb cut?
A 1-lb cut is approx 500 grams of shellac flakes added to 3.8 litres of denatured alcohol or Methylated Spirits.
What determines the cut of a finish?
The ratio of flakes to alcohol determines the “cut” of the finish.
Why don't you use metal containers for shellac?
Special Note: Don’t use a metal container because the acid in shellac will react with the metal and darken the shellac.
What is shellac used for?
Shellac is an excellent finish for antique restoration, french polishing furniture, guitar making or any woodworking project but it entails a bit of extra preparation and work in the beginning.
How many gr are flakes?
The flakes come in 250gr, 1Kg & 2.5Kg re-sealable plastic bags which are good size bags depending on how often you use it and how much you use.
What to do when it's too cold?
If it’s too cold it takes longer and you can use warm water baths to increase the temperature
What is a flake form?
Flake form allows fresh quality shellac to be prepared and avoid waste. Use shellac to seal in sap, resin, grease or oil marks after cleaning and prior to painting or lacquering. Thinned shellac makes an excellent stain barrier coat or hold out coat especially on soft woods and difficult or end grain prior to staining.
How long does it take for shellac to dry?
Test all mixed shellac for drying if several months old . If the surface stays tacky after 8 hours and does not sand freely without gumming, the shellac is old and will not dry and must be discarded. Dissolving & Mixing Flake Shellac. Mix in a dark plastic or glass container with a tightly fitting lid.
How long to soak flake shellac?
Soak the flake shellac in about 1/2 of the total alcohol to be used for 24 hours or longer (cool room temperatures will slow the process; pulverize the button shellac to speed dissolving) stir occasionally and when dissolved add the balance of the alcohol. The consistency of shellac is determined by “cut”.
How long does shellac need to stand before use?
Before the liquid shellac is used, it should be shaken or stirred thoroughly and allowed to stand for a few hours. After dissolving, the different shellac colours may be intermixed in the liquid state to obtain intermediate tones or shades of shellac. Application.
When applying as an undercoater prior to other finishes, do you use a dewaxed shellac?
When applying as an undercoater prior to other finishes use a dewaxed shellac. Shellac should be applied in long strokes with the grain. Dip a good natural bristle Shellac / Varnishers brush about
How much alcohol to mix with 1 pint of liquid shellac?
To mix 1 pint of 1 Lb. cut liquid shellac use approximately a 2:16 ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol (2 oz. of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. of alcohol). Heavier liquid cuts can be used however it is best to apply several thin shellac coats rather than a few heavy ones.
What is Shellac?
Shellac is a a wood finish created by diluting secretions from the laccifer laca bug in denatured alcohol. This bug is found in India and Thailand and surrounding areas and that is where almost all the shellac in the world comes from.
How to determine the name of your mix?
You determine the name of your mix (2 lbs cut, 3 lbs cut, etc) by determining how many pounds of shellac flakes are added to 1 gallon of denatured alcohol. That certainly doesn’t mean you need to mix a full gallon up. A pint or quart is usually sufficient for most jobs.
How to mix shellac flakes?
Start by picking the type of shellac flakes you want and grab a container of denatured alcohol and a sealable container to hold your wood finish. Once you’ve assembled everything you’re ready to mix your own shellac.
How thick is shellac?
I would recommend a small batch of 2 lbs cut shellac for your first time. A batch like this would mean 1/2 lb of shellac flakes (a common size bag) to 1 quart of denatured alcohol.
How long does it take for shellac to dissolve?
Some woodworkers recommend grinding up the shellac flakes with a coffee grinder prior to mixing to allow them to dissolve more quickly which can be helpful if you are in a rush since your mix should take 4-6 hours to fully dissolve and be ready for use without the coffee grinder hack.
Why mix your own shellac?
One advantage of mixing your own shellac is that you can mix the right size batch for your project and still keep some dry flakes for use in the future. Shellac flakes last much longer that when it has been mixed and is ready for finish. Another advantage is your ability to select your own viscosity. When mixing your own shellac you choose the rate ...
How long does shellac last?
Mixing your own shellac means you’ll always have a fresh batch ready for use since shellac has a relatively short shelf life once mixed of about six months. So, let’s walk through how to mix shellac yourself so you can get started today.
How to mix a gallon of shellac?
It shows the 3 most common cuts, in 4 different amounts (cup, pint, quart, gallon). Allow to dilute for a few hours, or over night for larger quantities. To quicken the process, occasionally stir or shake. Once the mixture is liquefied, the shellac is ready to use for finishing.
What is a cut in shellac?
Explaining The Cut. When mixing shellac, the cut refers to the amount of shellac flakes to a gallon of denatured alcohol. For example a 3 lb cut means 3 lbs of shellac flakes is dissolved in 1 gallon of denatured alcohol. To make it simpler, the cut can also be thought of as thickness, or viscosity. When you adjust the amount of shellac flakes ...
What is shellac?
Shellac is a resin secreted by the female lac bug (Kerria lacca) on trees found in India and Thailand. The lac is a protective shell in which the female can lay her eggs. It’s processed and sold as dry flakes or buttons.
How to make a shellac sealer?
Now, to make a shellac sealer, take one fluid oz. of two-pound cut liquid shellac and add three fluid ozs. of alcohol to make a quarter-pound cut. This viscosity is excellent for sealing all types of wood before applying a friction finish like Crystal Coat. I also use this sealer for the inside of all my peppermills. Shellac sealer helps protect the peppercorns from absorbing any flavor or aroma from the different wood species I like to turn.
How to dissolve shellac flakes?
In the center of an old T-shirt, spill out the measured shellac flakes. The commercial flakes are much too large for processing, so it helpful to pulverize them with a mallet. Fold the t-shirt over the shellac to keep it contained in the cloth while moderately pounding the flakes. These smaller flakes will dissolve much faster. Place the flakes into the mixing jar, and to that, add 8 oz. of isopropyl alcohol. Seal the jar well. Make sure it doesn’t leak. Then run masking tape around the lid of the jar as extra insurance against leakage.
How long does it take to liquefy shellac?
Place the jar into the rotary tumbler and turn it on. The slow-rolling of the tumbler will completely liquefy the shellac in about eight hours. This process is a much faster way of making shellac on-demand than agitating it by hand over a three day period.
What is the purpose of shellac?
While sugar is the primary top-coat on coated tablets, the sealer is a coat of shellac designed to protect the core. The shellac coating hardens the surface to protect the core (which can be very fragile) in subsequent process steps of manufacturing.
What type of alcohol is used in commercial mix?
Second, you get to pick the type of solvent or alcohol in your mix. I choose to work with isopropyl alcohol….a friendlier alcohol. Commercial mixes use more toxic varieties like ethanol.
How to track a date when you mix shellac?
Keep track of the date you mix your shellac by dating the storage bottles and labeling the pound-cut. You’ll need to strain the shellac, and for this, it’s best to use a piece of sheer curtain material. (Use cotton t-shirt material in a pinch. It’s a slower strain.) The liquid shellac flows freely through sheer curtain material and strains all its impurities, like twigs, bug parts, and un-dissolved shellac. This nets about ten fluid ozs. of liquid shellac that’s a two-pound cut, perfect for French polishing.
How long does it take to mix shellac?
In about an hour it mixes the shellac completely. Some people prefer to pulverize their shellac with a grinder used for coffee beans. That works, too. I prefer the magnetic stirrer because I can pour an entire pound of shellac into an entire gallon of alcohol and walk away. No pulverizing small batches of shellac.
How much shellac should I mix with Everclear?
I mix up shellac in a “one-pound cut” or even a little weaker. That is one pound of shellac per 1 gallon of Everclear. There’s a handy chart here that helps you through the math for smaller portions. While many prefer a “two-pound cut,” I prefer to apply more thin coats than a few thick coats. You can, of course, easily thin down a thick shellac.
Is shellac good for furniture?
Fresh-mixed shellac is an excellent film finish, and we go through a lot of it in our shop. Here is how I mix it up for general use as a furniture finish (i.e. not as a barrier for urine, smoke or sap).
Can you dissolve shellac in hardware store?
Hardware store alcohols (which have water, methanol and/or other chemicals) don’t dissolve shellac as well. And they can be poisonous. If you can’t buy Everclear, I recommend you visit Kentucky! (Other woodworkers I know buy ethanol through medical supply catalogs and report that it’s not too much of a pain.)
What are shellac flakes?
Shellac is a substance that the lac bug ( Kerria lacca) and Laccifer lacca secretes. We find these insects on trees in India and Thailand. After processing, shellac comes in the form of flakes. We then dissolve the flakes in alcohol to create liquid shellac. You can apply the resultant liquid onto the surface of the wood to create a layer of sealant and colorant. Shellac offers many benefits as a stain, glossy varnish, sealant, and natural primer.
How do you prepare shellac flakes?
Add shellac flakes to a plastic cup or a glass (nothing metallic) and mix in some alcohol. Ensure all the contents are 16°C or more. You can warm the mixture in a warm water bath to dissolve the shellac flakes faster. Never heat the mix directly. Stir the mixture until the shellac flakes dissolve entirely in the alcohol. Finally, filter the liquid to remove any sediment or residue. You can store this liquid shellac for a few months if you keep it in a cool area away from direct light.
How do you apply liquid shellac?
You need to prepare the surface of the wood before you apply shellac by thoroughly sanding it. Once done, you can apply it through a brush, cloth, or spray gun. If you apply multiple coats, give 30 minutes to 45 minutes gap between successive coats to dry completely. Smoothen the surface with 320-400 grit sandpaper and dust it with a dry cloth before applying the next layer. You can add natural resins like dammar and rosin to the shellac for improving the texture of the surface of the wood.
What is the history of shellac?
The earliest documented evidence of shellac can be found up to 3,000 years ago. However, much earlier, Indian mythology mentions a palace made of dried shellac in the Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata. In more recent history, it was exported to western countries from Asia. It gained popularity as a furniture lacquer from the 13 th century onwards.
How do insects produce shellac?
The insect consumes wood sap and exudes it in a tunnel-shaped tube which it spreads along with the tree bark. The stick lac is then harvested and refined into the form of shellac as we know it.
Does shellac finish turn white when exposed to water?
You can easily damage shellac by exposing it to water and alcohol. It turns white in the presence of humidity, which is why you shouldn’t apply shellac in humid weather. Therefore, you need to prevent surfaces coated with shellac from getting wet. You may find it necessary to repair a shellac surface frequently, which fortunately is not very difficult.
What are the different colors of shellac?
Shellac comes in a variety of colors. You can get it in light blond or dark brown or a wide range of colors in between. The color of shellac varies according to the climatic conditions and the time that the resin is harvested.
What is a cut in shellac?
The term "cut" is used when referring to the amount of alcohol added to dry shellac flakes to dissolve them (one pound of shellac flakes dissolved in one gallon of alcohol gives a well-thinned one-pound cut). Store-bought shellac is usually sold in a heavier three- to four-pound cut, and then thinned accordingly. (Four pounds of shellac flakes thinned with one gallon of alcohol produce a four-pound-cut shellac.) Common shellac thinning ratios range from a two- to a five-pound cut.
What does the white neck on a shellac car mean?
The white neck represents exactly how the stripped and sanded body looked before the shellac was applied.
How long does it take for shellac to dissolve?
Start with fresh shellac flakes. If the flakes are fresh they'll dissolve overnight. If they aren't dissolved in four days , consider discarding your batch and getting new flakes, especially if the mixture doesn't dry when you test it on scrap.
Why is shellac harder to apply than lacquer?
It is harder to apply than lacquer because it can't be sprayed very thick. Brushing or French polishing shellac is labor intensive.
How to dissolve shellac?
Pour in Behkol solvent or denatured alcohol and set the mixture aside to dissolve. Shake the jar frequently to prevent a lump of shellac from forming in the bottom. Allow ample time for the shellac to dissolve. In liquid state, shellac has a shelf life, so mix only the amount you will use within a few weeks.
Is waxy shellac good for polishing?
Waxy shellac is excellent when the finish will be only shellac (as in a French polish finish * ). Amber in color, it adds a bit more moisture resistance and flexibility to the final finish. It contains none of the shelf-life additives found in ready-mixed shellacs that can be unsuitable for French polishing. Apply by hand, using a padded cloth.
What does a sandpaper block out?
It blocks out, or seals in, trace amounts of oil, wax, and silicone.
How long does it take for shellac to dry?
After sanding, wipe the piece thoroughly with a tack cloth and recoat. Depending upon temperature and humidity conditions, allow from two to four hours drying for each coat. Some craftsmen prefer to do their finish sanding of the raw wood after first giving it a coat of shellac since this stiffens the wood fibers and allows any rough portions to be fully sanded off.
What happens to shellac after dissolving?
After dissolving, the different shellac colours may be intermixed in the liquid state to obtain intermediate tones or shades of shellac.
How much alcohol to mix with 1 pint of liquid shellac?
To mix 1 pint of 1 Lb. cut liquid shellac use approximately a 2:16 ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol (2 oz. of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. of alcohol). Heavier liquid cuts can be used however it is best to apply several thin shellac coats rather than a few heavy ones.
Is shellac waterproof?
Shellac is an excellent quick drying, non waterproof, finish. Shellac requires experience in order to be able to use it to its full potential. Flake form allows fresh quality shellac to be prepared and avoid waste. Use shellac to seal in sap, resin, grease or oil marks after cleaning and prior to painting or lacquering. Thinned shellac makes an excellent stain barrier coat or hold out coat especially on soft woods and difficult or end grain prior to staining. Test all mixed shellac for drying if several months old. If the surface stays tacky after 8 hours and does not sand freely without gumming, the shellac is old and will not dry and must be discarded.
When to apply one more coat of finish?
When the finish level "looks good" apply one more coat for long term durability, abrassion resistance, and to provide enough thickness to allow for 'rubbing out'.
