Why You Should Consider Shellac as a Finish for Your Next Woodworking Project
Wood finishing offers many choices: varnishes, polyurethane, lacquer, oil-based finishes, and shellac. Though often overlooked for modern finishes, shellac has been a favorite among woodworkers for centuries. Made from natural sources, shellac provides several advantages that make it a great option for woodworking projects. Whether you're an experienced woodworker or a DIY fan, here’s why you should think about using shellac as a finish.
1. Natural and EcoFriendly
Shellac is a natural resin made by female lac bugs found mainly in forests in India and Thailand. The resin is collected and mixed with alcohol to create shellac finish. Unlike synthetic finishes, shellac is nontoxic and ecofriendly, making it a great choice for those wanting to minimize environmental impact. Once dry, shellac is food-safe, making it ideal for kitchen utensils, children's toys, and furniture. It's one of the safest finishes available.
2. Versatile and Easy to Apply
Shellac is very versatile. You can use it on small furniture, musical instruments, or antiques. It comes in different shine levels, from glossy to matte, depending on how many coats you apply and how you buff it. It's easy to use—you can brush or wipe it on, and it dries quickly, allowing multiple coats in one day. If you make a mistake or damage it later, shellac is easy to fix. For beginners, it's forgiving; any streaks or brush marks can be corrected by adding a new coat or wiping it down with alcohol to smooth it out. It does however require practice when learning to use, but as I said mistakes are easy to correct.
3. Beautiful, Warm Finish
Shellac enhances wood's natural beauty by highlighting its grain and adding a warm, rich glow. It gives wood an amber hue that deepens with time, creating a classic, aged appearance that many furniture and cabinetry pieces desire. The depth and warmth of shellac can transform even simple wood into something beautiful, making it a popular finish for antique restorations and traditional woodworking.
4. Quick Drying
If you don’t want to wait long between coats, shellac is your best option. It dries very quickly—within 30 to 45 minutes—so you can apply multiple coats in a short time. This is particularly useful for busy projects where you want a great finish without the long drying times of finishes like polyurethane or varnish. Both professionals and DIYers appreciate shellac’s quick drying time, allowing you to complete projects faster without losing quality.
5. Easy to Repair
Shellac is easy to repair compared to other finishes. If it gets scratched or damaged, you can add more shellac directly to the affected area without sanding down the whole surface. This makes it perfect for furniture that sees a lot of use, like dining tables.
6. Moisture Resistant (But Not Waterproof)
Shellac provides decent moisture resistance, making it suitable for indoor woodworking. It’s not ideal for areas with heavy water exposure like kitchen countertops or bathroom vanities, but it works well for surfaces that might see occasional spills, such as coffee tables, desks, or decor. For projects where moisture isn’t a big issue, shellac protects wood from spills, humidity, and small accidents. Take care however with some solvents, especially alcohol.
7. Compatibility with Other Finishes
Shellac is a great base coat that works well with many finishes, including oil-based and water-based options. If you want to use a specific topcoat, shellac can serve as an undercoat to enhance protection and appearance. It's especially helpful for older furniture, sealing stains and finishes before applying a new topcoat. If you will be using another finish on top of your shellac, it is important to make sure you are using dewaxed shellac. Better yet mix your own.
8. NonToxic and FoodSafe
Once dry, shellac is one of the few finishes that is food-safe, making it great for items like cutting boards, serving trays, children's toys, and kitchen cabinets where safety matters. Many synthetic finishes release harmful VOCs during and after application, especially in closed spaces. In contrast, shellac is nontoxic and creates fewer fumes, making it a safer choice for users and the environment.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose Shellac?
Shellac is a great choice for woodworking because it looks good, is easy to use, and works on many projects. Whether you're fixing up old furniture or finishing a new piece, shellac gives a long-lasting and nice finish. It's eco-friendly, enhances the wood's natural patterns, and is easy to repair, making it a popular option for both hobbyists and pros. So, when you're thinking about finishing your project, consider using shellac for its classic look and simple application.