How To: Shellac Wood

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about How To: Shellac Wood and hope the blog can help you.

Give your wood projects a beautiful natural finish with this easy, fast-drying technique.

Shellac is a versatile, non-toxic wood finish that enhances the natural grain while adding smoothness without the plastic-like qualities of polyurethane or lacquer. Made from flakes of resin secreted by lacs (insects native to Asia) and dissolved in alcohol, shellac is typically available in clear or amber but can also be tinted to bring out a range of hues from golden oak to dark mahogany. It’s readily available at home centers, goes on easily, and dries quickly.

Shellac isn’t ideal for every piece, however. The finish can fade in the sun or simply dull over time, and it’s highly sensitive to water or even high humidity. So while this less-than-durable finish can be repaired and retouched if necessary, it’s usually best to shellac decorative wood items that won’t see a lot of wear-and-tear, instead of high-use furniture like a dining room table.

Considering enhancing the natural beauty of your latest woodworking project? Keep reading for step-by-step guidance on how to shellac wood. A full protective shellac coat generally requires several thin layers, with a bit of sanding and buffing in between—a project that can often be completed in one afternoon.