In another recent thread we got into discussing different options when mixing shellac. I personally avoid shellac in a can but others say they really like it and found it to be everything they need for the work they do.
One of the frustrations folks have with the premixed shellac is-- where can I find the Sealer? Well its becoming more difficult to find readily and ordering with shipping costs drives up the cost and rational of using it. All you get with the Sealer vs the Amber and Clear in a can is this: its dewaxed.
You can buy a pound of dewaxed shellac and have enough sealer to last you for years. Unlike the can, you can store it much longer and have FRESH sealer when you need it. As a bonus the same mix can be used as a finish. You can put any varnish over the shellac you are using as a sealer.
Then the question arrives... what do I dissolve my shellac flakes with or what do I thin my premixed shellac down to what I want?
I don't know anyone in the USA who knows more about shellac than Vijay Velji at shellacfinishes.com.
If you want to learn about shellac, visit his website. You won't be disappointed.
After conducting some less than scientific tests in my shop this week, I decided to send word to Vijay. His response to the question of what solvent is best for shellac use.
Hi Dan,
And the discussion goes on and on and on and on...........
Using common sense:
1) Shellac is dissolvable in ethanol.
2) Unfortunately pure ethanol is not available in most states due to federal and state restrictions.
3) If you live in a state where 100% ethanol is available, use it.
4) If you live in a state where only denatured alcohol is available, use it.
5) If you are allergic to methanol that is in the denatured alcohol, don't use it. Find a source of ethanol. If you can't, too bad!
6) If you have a lot of money to spend on Behlen stuff, do it.
7) Shellac is dissolvable in methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, butanol, butylglycol, benzlalcohol.
8) At ALL times when using any sort of solvent, it is imperative that gloves be used during handling.
Regards,
Vijay
One of the frustrations folks have with the premixed shellac is-- where can I find the Sealer? Well its becoming more difficult to find readily and ordering with shipping costs drives up the cost and rational of using it. All you get with the Sealer vs the Amber and Clear in a can is this: its dewaxed.
You can buy a pound of dewaxed shellac and have enough sealer to last you for years. Unlike the can, you can store it much longer and have FRESH sealer when you need it. As a bonus the same mix can be used as a finish. You can put any varnish over the shellac you are using as a sealer.
Then the question arrives... what do I dissolve my shellac flakes with or what do I thin my premixed shellac down to what I want?
I don't know anyone in the USA who knows more about shellac than Vijay Velji at shellacfinishes.com.
If you want to learn about shellac, visit his website. You won't be disappointed.
After conducting some less than scientific tests in my shop this week, I decided to send word to Vijay. His response to the question of what solvent is best for shellac use.
Hi Dan,
And the discussion goes on and on and on and on...........
Using common sense:
1) Shellac is dissolvable in ethanol.
2) Unfortunately pure ethanol is not available in most states due to federal and state restrictions.
3) If you live in a state where 100% ethanol is available, use it.
4) If you live in a state where only denatured alcohol is available, use it.
5) If you are allergic to methanol that is in the denatured alcohol, don't use it. Find a source of ethanol. If you can't, too bad!
6) If you have a lot of money to spend on Behlen stuff, do it.
7) Shellac is dissolvable in methanol, ethanol, propanol, iso-propanol, butanol, butylglycol, benzlalcohol.
8) At ALL times when using any sort of solvent, it is imperative that gloves be used during handling.
Regards,
Vijay