Shellac is a traditional wood finish made from the resin secreted by the female lac bug. When dissolved in denatured alcohol, shellac forms a versatile, non-toxic finish that enhances and protects wooden surfaces. Learning how to apply shellac properly is key to achieving the desired look on your wood projects. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to shellac wood the right way.
Preparing the Wood Surface
The first step is to make sure the wood surface is properly prepared for the shellac application.
Sanding
Sand the wood thoroughly with progressively finer grit sandpaper, up to 220-grit. This removes any existing finish and evens out the surface. Always sand in the direction of the wood grain.
Cleaning
Use a vacuum and tack cloth to remove all traces of loose wood fibers and sanding dust. The shellac will not adhere properly over a dirty surface.
Conditioning
Applying a wood conditioner helps regulate the absorption of shellac for a more uniform finish. It’s especially useful for soft or porous woods like pine.
Mixing the Shellac
Shellac flakes must be dissolved in denatured alcohol to make liquid shellac.
- Use a ratio of 1 lb shellac flakes per 1 gallon of alcohol.
- Allow several hours for the flakes to fully dissolve, shaking occasionally.
- Filter the mix through cheesecloth to remove any undissolved particles.
- Store the premixed shellac in a tightly sealed glass jar out of direct sunlight. It has a shelf life of about 6 months.
You can also thin down premixed shellac with alcohol for the first coat over raw wood. A 1:1 ratio of shellac to alcohol works well to help penetration.
Brushing on the Shellac
Apply shellac with a high-quality natural bristle brush. Avoid foam brushes which can leave brush marks.
- Stir or shake the shellac before each use to redisperse the flakes.
- Work in manageable sections, keeping a wet edge as you apply.
- Brush along the wood grain, maintaining light, even strokes.
- Apply thin coats, letting each dry thoroughly before recoating. 2-3 coats is usually sufficient.
- Sand lightly with 320-grit sandpaper between coats to ensure proper adhesion.
- Remove dust before recoating.
Thin the first coat with alcohol for better penetration into the wood. Subsequent coats can be the premade consistency.
Achieving Different Sheens
The sheen level of shellac depends on the number of coats applied.
- For a satin finish, apply 2-3 thin coats.
- For a semi-gloss look, build up 4-5 coats.
- High-gloss requires 6 or more coats.
- Rubbing out the final coat with steel wool produces an ultra-smooth luster.
Applying shellac over an oil-based stain helps intensify color depth while providing protection. Test for compatibility first.
Shellac Application Tips
- Maintain adequate ventilation when working with shellac. The fumes from the alcohol can be strong.
- Never shake or agitate shellac vigorously as this introduces air bubbles. Gently stir instead.
- Adding a few drops of clove or lavender oil helps eliminate the alcohol smell as shellac dries.
- Used shellac brushes can be cleaned with rubbing alcohol and reused. Rinse well before the shellac dries.
- Apply wax or paste wax over shellac for extra protection and buffability.
With proper preparation and application technique, shellac provides a fast-drying, beautiful finish for all types of wood projects. It brings out the depth of grain patterns while providing a smooth, durable protective coating. Mastering the art of how to shellac wood the right way allows you to enhance wooden surfaces with this classic finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shellacking Wood
How long does shellac take to dry?
Shellac dries remarkably fast, usually within 30 minutes. Light sanding between coats can be done after just 2 hours. Full curing takes 7-10 days.
Does shellac provide good protection for wood?
Yes, shellac forms an durable protective coating that resists water, alcohol, and common household stains. It also has mild antiseptic properties. However, it’s softer and less abrasion resistant than some other finishes.
What’s the best type of shellac to use?
Go for premium grade shellac flakes aged for at least 1 year. Super blonde flakes provide the lightest color that won’t alter wood tone. Garnet and amber add warm undertones. Button lac produces the hardest finish.
Can you apply polyurethane over shellac?
Yes, shellac is compatible with most other finishes. It’s often used as a sealer coat below polyurethane. Lightly sand between coats to ensure proper adhesion.
How is shellac different from lacquer?
Shellac is all-natural while lacquer contains synthetic ingredients. Shellac is soluble in alcohol while lacquer thins with acetone. Shellac shows brush marks more while lacquer self-levels better. Both provide good durability.
What woods give the best results with shellac?
Shellac works well on open-grained woods like oak, mahogany, walnut and cherry by building up a film while allowing the grain to show through. It also brings out unique figure patterns.
Conclusion
Shellac remains a viable option for finishing and protecting interior wood surfaces. When applied correctly using proper technique, it produces durable, beautiful results that enhance the look of wood grain. With some careful prep work, brush practice and a handful of thin coats, you can learn how to shellac wood the right way. This classic, all-natural finish adds rich warmth and depth to any woodworking project.