Shellac is a natural substance produced by
a species of Asian insect, the Coccus lacca.
The females secrete this substance, which
is then collected, crushed, washed, and dried.
When mixed with alcohol, the varnish known
as shellac is produced. When shellac is used
as a coating for furniture, it results in
a finish that is extremely hard and durable.
Shellac was traditionally the finish of choice
for the finest wooden antiques, so it is
often used in their restoration. Shellac
is used to obtain the highly desirable “French
polish” finish found on high-end furniture.
It is also used to provide a barrier or primer
coat on wood to prevent any resins or pigments
in the wood bleeding into the final finish.
Shellac can be sprayed, padded or brushed
on. You can use a variety of brushes to apply
shellac, with either natural or artificial
bristles, but these brushes should only be
used for shellac. Pads can be made from a
cheesecloth core wrapped in a thin piece
of absorbent fabric made from a natural material
such as cotton, linen, or muslin. Two coats
of thin shellac generally result in a better
finish than one thick coat and help prevent
drips and runs in the finish.
Although shellac produces an
extremely beautiful
and durable finish, it is easily
damaged
by heat and alcohol spills, so
it is generally
used on wooden surfaces that
will not be
subject to everyday wear and
tear.
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