Making Shellac From Flakes

[@KSFWG]

I think a lot woodworkers out there would like to see your method of application. I know I sure would! Thanks for this video, Guy!

[@GuysShop]

Hey Dave! I am thinking about it. There are so many videos out there already on the subject. I may just show my method.

[@sunriseboy4837]

A clean, organized w/s. Brilliant!

[@tomlagatol4448]

I'm always up for watching different guys technique...So, sure, I'd enjoy seeing your application of shellac. Thanks.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks for watching Tom!

[@rickmaples2313]

Thanks Guy, you answered my question on the Woodshop Life Podcast yesterday. This is very helpful. Buying my flakes now.

[@huybigshot]

You're a natural teacher, Guy

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Huy! I appreciate the compliment.

[@1ambulator]

Excellent demo. I can see a little shellac goes a long way. Thanks.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@haroldh9798]

Great, simple, clear, and helpful presentation!

[@SeanRubino]

I have been wanting to do this for some time now. I think once my varnish runs out i may switch to shellac almost exclusively. It is easier to obtain and easy to repair. Thanks, Guy!

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Sean! Shellac is a great finish, you should definitely try it out.

[@accipiternisus649]

I like your way of simple doing this simple stuffs.Am a pyrotehnician and shellac is one my favorites binders

[@GuysShop]

Shellac is the best....

[@Simplecove]

Great video Guy. I like these types of videos. Explained everything someone needs to know in only a few minutes.

[@GuysShop]

Hey Sean! Thanks man!

[@huybigshot]

Yes, I'd love to see a video on the application of shellac.

[@jenseventyr7090]

Thanks Guy. Can Shellac be combined with varnish for finishing?

[@npoess]

Outstanding explanation. Any recommendations for a finish on soft maple furniture for children?

[@Patricksworkshop]

Great demonstration Guy. Im not a big user of shelac but i would like to give it a try in the future. Thanks for the video.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Patrick! You should try it!

[@markmarc1605]

Hello! Nice work. Did you you dewaxed shellac? why?

[@terrym6112]

Thank you very much! I've acquired a vintage sewing machine, and the table needs some love. I've only ever worked with poly, but I really want to go more authentic for this piece and didn't know where to start.

[@maximimturning]

Hello mate. Can you reuse the gloopy bits or is it best to through them away. Thanks for all your tips. Max

[@DrewJacobson61]

Thanks for the video! Instead of denatured alcohol can I use methyl hydrate? Is there really a difference?

[@allantaylor8449]

Good instructions. Would like to see a vid on applying shellac

[@MikeKapotsy]

yes, I will plan to try this in the future. Thanks for sharing Guy!

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Mike!

[@Timmy2Hands]

Yep, a video on applying the shellac would be great. especially how to deal with inside corners and little dried drips and runs.

[@GuysShop]

Hey Tim! Thanks for watching!

[@MauriceBlok]

Yes, would like to see how approach the applying of shellac!

[@GuysShop]

I bet you probably know more about than I do Maurice!

[@ericwycoff1399]

@GuysWoodShop that shellac website is like the holy grail thank you so much for that recommendation! Where is the mixing guide located?

[@GuysShop]

Shellac.net

[@prolificF8]

Can I use mineral spirits instead? I'm going to use on paper for oil painting and drawing. If so, does the ratio differ. Thank you.

[@RedDevilInAZ]

Always interested in finishing techniques and I would be especially like to see your. Thank for all the great tips.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Barry!

[@stepanbedrossian]

Hi there Stepan from Australia here i have a cedar chest of drawers, antique i am trying to restore it, we have had to buy gargoyles for front pillars. The original candy twist columns who knows? Have had to stain these with a cedar stain, along with the original feet, one side of cabinet had been half painted, cleaned all that. The gargoyles are quite intricately carved so i cant apply with a pad, the only way is a brush? We want a semi gloss finish as it will go with our other furniture Any idea's?

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

What to use when denatured alcohol is banned? Thanks.

[@stevecollins9450]

That's a much appreciated lesson there, Jon, and yes I would like to see your application method. I have sort of a love hate relationship with the stuff.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Steve! I know a lot of people who have had issues with the store bought shellac. Mainly because it's so thick. It dries quickly and if the coat is too thick, it can become a goopy mess very quickly. and who's Jon?

[@stevecollins9450]

LOL, I have no idea why I wrote Jon. Sorry about that...Guy :>)

[@yrulooknatme]

did you ever make shellac sticks?

[@marciaart3563]

Your videos are very helpful. Thank you.

[@GuysShop]

Glad you like them!

[@ajayshah5507]

Hi,how to make shellac centre buff.kindly help.

[@chm1701]

Brilliant. Thanks for sharing this, Guy. I’d much rather mix my own than buy it, so I know what I’m getting then.

[@nunyabiznes33]

Is this the same shellac added to lampblack to make India ink?

[@GuysShop]

I couldn't really say. Not familiar with how they make India ink

[@nunyabiznes33]

@@GuysShop OK, thanks anyway.

[@art.framingart1835]

for the moment I can't find alcohol. Can I use Methanol?

[@meanders9221]

Thanks Guy, very good demo demystifying spirit varnish. I brush SealCoat on nearly everything and have few problems, but mostly use shellac as a finish on shop cabinets etc. I'd be interested in seeing your application approach, especially spraying using HVLP as I spray lacquer.

[@GuysShop]

Hey Mike. I did video spraying shellac once, and it really did a number on my camera. I'm not sure if I want to go through that again! The response has been pretty good about doing a video on applying shellac, so I may do one showing how I pad it on though.

[@markstafford7548]

Great video! Straight and to the point. I'd also like to see a video on the application process please. Thanks.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Mark!

[@sebuteo]

Thanks for sharing. Very useful!

[@GuysShop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tooljunkie555]

interesting video guy! as always i learned something new.thanks for sharing your process.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Joe!

[@willemkossen]

Nice. I use shellac quite a bit as a sanding sealer and as part of a friction polish mix with woodturning. I think i should try it as a finish too.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Willem! Yeah, I use it quite a bit for a sealer too. It also makes a great top coat for furniture depending on the pieces use.

[@jimjakosh2506]

Thank you...I needed to learn this!!............Cheers, Jim

[@BrianMcCauleyDesign]

Gotta see your application method. I'm always interested in finishing techniques.

[@GuysShop]

Hey Brian. Thanks!

[@MariaSilva-xz6yg]

What is the price of the shelac flakes because the shelac i see in internet is very expensive!

[@290andreas]

I would appreciate your help on the following problem. I used some old flakes and tried to dissolve them in alcohol to make a 1lb cut shellac. The result was not so good as it had a gummy residue. I tried three different types of alcohol, 93% with a bluish color in it (used for burners), 96% pure ethyl alcohol( denatured), 99% isopropyl alcohol but the result was the same for all. I also tried grinding the flakes beforehand and the gummy solution afterwards but I never got a crystal clear solution. I had to pass it through a sieve ending up throwing a lot of the residue. Is it because the flakes are old or any problem with the alcohol? Do the flakes expire?

[@GuysShop]

Yeah, your flakes are bad if they are not dissolving completely

[@290andreas]

@@GuysShop Thanks for the reply. I will get some new ones.

[@mfwoodshop]

Good info, I have been thinking about doing this for the rocking chair what you think?

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Mike! The rocking chair is a challenge with all those turnings. Shellac would be okay, but I would definitely recommend spraying, not brushing or padding it.

[@mfwoodshop]

Cool, would it still be 1.5lb cut if spraying?

[@mfwoodshop]

Oh, I just released the video from you house.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

Very well done video Guy

[@GuysShop]

Hey Tommy! Where the heck you been brother? Moving time, huh? Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[@TheShavingWoodWorkshop]

You hit nail right on the head, doing the whole moving thing...... I think I'm going through with drawls, I can't wait to get into the new shop :-)

[@gregl2249]

A link to purchase pls

[@samvicto2779]

Hi.... nice video thanks for the simple but educative video. I am from india and we use grams and liters. can you say the hellac measurements in grams (weight) and alcohol measurements in liters please. thanks in advance.

[@toolify]

Great instructional video. I would love to see you do an application tutorial as well. I didn't have great luck the first time I tried using shellac, but I see that I obviously didn't stir it properly/enough.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Kriss! Shellac out of the can tends to a problem with some people, and it turns them off to it. Try cutting the canned shellac 50/50 with denatured alcohol, and apply with light coats. You'll find you may like it!

[@toolify]

I made it from flakes, but used it almost right away after mixing. For now I'm assuming that caused the trouble. I'll try again!

[@volodymyrvoysky]

Hello! Can I use a isopropyl alcohol? Thanks.

[@GuysShop]

I would not use isopropyl alcohol

[@volodymyrvoysky]

GuysWoodshop Thanks! What I can use like alternative? Because i can't buy denatured alcohol ...

[@volodymyrvoysky]

GuysWoodshop Please give me proportions alcohol and shellac for a mixing . Thanks!

[@myronhensel]

Volodymyr CFGxVoysky Everclear 190 proof high grain alcohol

[@WayneBrownWoodworking]

Great info Guy. Your wiping or spraying technic would be awesome to see.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Wayne! I may show how I pad/wipe it on. Filming spraying it can be an issue....

[@bluehoo0]

Thank you very much very well explained 👍

[@marcmartin5283]

guy i would love to see a video on appling shelac

[@victorlozano7738]

How to make it thicker? If you wanted

[@GuysShop]

More shellac flakes

[@victorlozano7738]

@@GuysShop thanks

[@bobleeswoodshop7919]

Thanks for sharing,Guy!!

[@GuysShop]

Thanks for watching Bob!

[@johnconklin9039]

Great info. I'd be really interested in a video on how to apply it too.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks John!

[@RoomiesGarage]

Good explanation, thanks for sharing

[@GuysShop]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronnoftall1]

I'd like to see it applied. I would also like to see the different colors on differing woods...oak, walnut, and cherry specifically.

[@GuysShop]

I may do that. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@swilliams140]

Could you add alcohol to the gooped up shellac, if it's been a few months?

[@GuysShop]

I would say yes. However I would question the integrity of the finish afterward

[@fredmorady56]

Guy, you do a great job with all of your videos. One question please- what are the advantages of making the shellac from flakes compared to using the ready-made products? Many thanks.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Fred! Shellac can bo bad, and you really have to use a lot of it, and it can be pricey. It is also only one color in dewaxed - blonde. I use a lot of garnet shellac, which I don't think can be purchased in cans. So I can mix the color I want, the quantity that I want, and control the cut.

[@MadHatter764]

Do you know if it is cheaper to make shellac from flakes than buying a can from Lowes or Home Depot ?

[@GuysShop]

I have never done a cost comparison, But I believe that it is cheaper to make my own from flakes.

[@markvankoersveld5881]

Thanks for the info Guy, been meaning to give this a try. Something I wanted to ask was when mixing shellac in small quantities, what sort of coverage do you get? Also if you out are in the middle of applying the finish and have to make up a new batch, is there any colour variation or does it blend well into itself?

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Mark! Coverage really depends on how thick of a layer you apply. I usually put on several thicker coats followed by several more layers padded on very thin. I have never had an issue with the new batch not blending in with the first batch.

[@markvankoersveld5881]

Good to know, I think the biggest advantage of mixing and using your own shellac is that you never really waste much so you don't end up with containers of old varnish lying around.

[@Sandhillwoodworks]

How about French Polish?

[@GuysShop]

Hey Bob! I've never done a french polish. I may do a video on how I use shellac. Mainly wiping, padding and spraying.

[@Sandhillwoodworks]

I would like to learn I had a project I wanted to do.

[@GuysShop]

There is a very good tutorial on it at Fabians Tiny Workshop (?) on You Tube. It is rather long, but very detailed.

[@Sandhillwoodworks]

Thanks, man I will check that out.

[@janegundlach6446]

Great video

[@GuysShop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@StuffIMade]

+GuysWoodshop Thanks for this! A video on applying Shellac would be good, also showing the various finishes depending on the cut you use, and maybe and example of each of the three types you showed so we can see the difference. The blonde shellac is of the most interest to me. Thanks

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Geoff! Good suggestion. I will give it some thought.

[@MRrwmac]

Nice to the point and well demonstrated video! Do you like using shellac because of its resulting hardness? As a young man I remember all the old men using these flakes to make Shelac! Now that I'm one of the old men, maybe I should revisit using it (and of course mixing the flakes). With a very small electric motor (used in toys) I may rig up a little cantilever see saw type tray to keep it mixing. Perhaps you might try building one since you use shellac so often.

[@KSFWG]

I reload ammunition and I have a "wet tumbler" for cleaning brass cases. I was thinking of sticking a jar in it to keep it mixing.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Mac! I like shellac mainly because it's ease of application, and you can get it to a pretty high gloss or knock it back to a satin finish pretty easily. And the flakes go a long way if you only make what you need for your project at hand. And shaking the jar is not that big of a deal. The shellac I made here I only stirred maybe 4 times over the course of several hours, and it was fully dissolved.

[@Thom4123]

Thank you for the information and I think a video on your application would be very helpful

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Thom!

[@blackemmons]

"Yes" to applying. I usually have issues. Thanks for the demo. JimE

[@GuysShop]

I am thinking about it Jim! thanks!

[@normanmerrill1241]

Thanks

[@canaan5337]

I don't think shellac really goes bad, as long as you keep a cover over it so it doesn't get full of dust. I had a batch of it dry out completely with a paintbrush in it. I just poured more denatured alcohol in it put the lid back on it and in a couple days it had redissolved and I tried it out and it worked good as new even the brush was good.

[@MNwineboy]

The problem is that old Shellac breaks down and doesn’t dry to a hard surface.

[@Nizaammosesguitarist]

Hi there, thanks great vid, i followed your exact methods, but for some reason my mixture came out very merky (milky), . i used 99% denatured alcohol, even when i use Spirits it come merky.I ran another test with the same measurements but this time i used 70% alcohol hand sanitizer "With this mix the shellac looked exactly the way it should, transparent orange shellac. I mixed it last night and the flakes were laying at the bottom, woke up this morning and it was all dissolved. Help LOL. UPDATE: i started shaking it alot and it seems to be clearing up!!

[@GuysShop]

I wish I could tell you why this is happenning. Something with the shellac flakes maybe?

[@haleysow]

Hi Nizaam, I chanced upon the guy’s video and your reply. I plan to apply it as a sealer for my pine planter box to grow veges. I suppose it works too with shellac flakes soaks with 70% alcohol and leave for an overnight to get the clear solution.

[@mihumus]

A few days ago a friend tells me about this... Thanks as always, Guy! :D

[@GuysShop]

Thanks Roman!

[@originalhotrodder4337]

Great video! I'm planning on refinishing the hardwood floors in our 59' rancher with shellac so finding your video was perfect timing. I'm very interested in seeing your application method. Going to check out shellac.net now, thanks.

[@GuysShop]

Thanks! Still thinking about doing an application video.

[@donnymcarter]

Thanks for the video Guy! Really helpful info! I'd like to see a video of the application process please!

[@GuysShop]

Hey Donnie! Thanks!

[@bobbyjnotk]

"..or the termperament to do that." Me too, guy.

[@reforzar]

Shellac application video please!

[@GuysShop]

Definitely thinking about Brian. Thanks for watching!

[@D5quared91]

A moment of silence for the noble and brave lac beetle and the sacrifices of their lives that were made to harvest this product... :’(

[@MNwineboy]

No Lacs we’re harmed. It is their excretions that are harvested. The more Lac Beatles the better

[@meanders9221]

Guy, you need a good exhaust fan, with an explosion proof motor.

[@ondrejroberto2896]

I see you have ounces in weight and ounces in volume.