Mixing Shellac Flakes-Finishing Fundamentals Woodturning with Sam Angelo

In this video, Sam shows how he mixes dry shellac flakes with isopropyl alcohol. He discusses and shows the proper "cut", and how he mixes and measures the shellac with the alcohol.
The shellac flakes are measured with a small digital scale. The proper amount of isopropyl alcohol is placed in a measured container: both ingredients are measured in ounces-then mixed together.
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[@glencrandall7051]

Thanks for the mixing methods, cautions and tips on preparing shellac. Up to now all of my shellac use has come ready mixed in a can. I think I may give mixing my own a try. thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@samangeloturns]

Thanks Glen, the benefits of using shellac flakes is that you have more options. I find the Zinsser shellac in a can is a little darker than I would like. I always go for the blonde or super blonde flakes. This will impart the least amount of color on your project. Also, over the past few years, the cost of shellac flakes is coming down. The gallon of isopropyl alcohol cost me $25 and I think the flakes were maybe the same amount. That really isn't bad for a gallon of shellac if you mixed it all up, thanks Sam

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

Very nice great information, I look forward to your next video. Thanks

[@davidmorgan7522]

Good info Sam! I use Everclear with mine. Mix a little, snort a little and you're shellacked! Thanks for sharing! Take care, Dave

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

You could probably put that Everclear in your motorcycle if you run out of gas. I've never actually tried it. Hope you're doing well. Hope you had a good Thanksgiving. Here comes Christmas. Time marches on. Sam.

[@davidmorgan7522]

Tried it when I was young and dumb! Now I'm old and dumb but not that dumb! Thanksgiving with the family was great. Yes and way too fast!@@WYOMINGWOODTURNER

[@weencity]

Thanks for the tips. Got some old shellac to mix. Go Wyoming!

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Rock on! Sam

[@carolriley8472]

Very interesting information...I like using shellac but never thought about mixing my own.

[@samangeloturns]

Plus, it's a lot of fun, makes me feel like I am a chemist ha ha. Sam

[@jackthompson5092]

Great info Sam.

[@MASI_forging]

INTERESTING INFORMATION 💖💖

[@stevescott8655]

Thanks for posting this! You definitely demystified the "1 pound cut". Why is it necessary to keep the mixture in a glass jar? Both ingredients come in a plastic container, so I'm curious whether there is a chemical reaction going on that would make glass necessary?

[@johnames8942]

Sam, I have noticed the dust mask you use and am wondering where to get one like it. I use a cartridge type and it isn't compatible with my face shield.

[@mr.shellcracker9161]

How did the ispropyl alcohol work compared to the denatured alcohol? Does it smell just like the 70% rubbing alcohol?

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

Why do you feel it should be in a glass container? I’ve always put mine into a clear plastic mustardy(type) bottle and I’ve never had an issue.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Yes, I do store some of my shellac in plastic containers when I go to dispensing it. My concern is that some plastic may break down and we really don’t know which plastic container might be susceptible to breaking down. But for long-term storage, I am always going to use a glass container just to be safe. Thanks for your comment Sam.

[@daviddickmeyer5231]

@WYOMINGWOODTURNER Sam, thanks for the answer back. Most plastic bottles are made from the same plastic that your isopropyl alcohol came in. HDPE. That stuff is pretty impervious to most any chemical or solvent. That's why we find it laying all over the planet. Too bad they don't make glass squeeze bottles!😒😒

[@j.s_cabin]

In the direction of where I live, you can only get shellac chips. To my knowledge. I have mixed with my own use but it has not been successful. The solvent I use contains 10-12% water, and the shellac has been "dirty". That means there has been some garbage in the ready solution. Or is it due to the water in the solvent? interesting, I look forward to the continuation ❤️

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

I think a good practice would be to use the isopropyl alcohol. I have never done that before, and just learned it from another video. And then finally, I think it's a good idea to strain your mixture. Even with new shellac flakes there might be bits of insect or bark in there from the process of making the shellac. Sam

[@marcusfairly2688]

Informative video. But the video blacks out for a while at 14.10. Did I miss anything lol?

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I just left a blank spot in there when I was editing. I sometimes miss these. I am in the process of clipping that spot so the video will run past that. Again, thank you Sam.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

Im testing 99% isopropyl for use here in CA. The research ive done says the vapors coming off it should be less harmful to inhale. Methanol is not good for inhalation... its what denatures the denatured stuff.

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Yes, I agree. The CA fumes can be really bad. I usually turn on the floor fan to blow those vapors away. Thanks, Sam.

[@brandonhoffman4712]

@@WYOMINGWOODTURNER CA the state. Not cyanoacrylate (CA) glue. The fumes I was talking about are methanol fumes (in denatured alcohol), vs isopropyl fumes. The stuff I've seen says methanol is no good. Nor methilated spirits. Isopropyl might be the preferred choice in shellac for human saftey. Also for context. In California, denatured alcohol is illegal, so is high proof everclear... everclear in CA is 120pf or 60%

[@fierceflyer5]

If I want shellac food safe I mix it with Everclear alcohol, if it doesn’t matter I use food grade isopropyl alcohol.

[@dtork47]

Why waste good EverClear!

[@dtork47]

What about drying time before sanding? Seems like 1 lb cut with more alcohol vs flakes dries faster for sanding and subsequent coats? Perhaps you will address this next time? Thanks Sam always helpful. Stay safe.

[@samangeloturns]

@@dtork47 I find that drying time is around 10-15 minutes. If you sand too soon, the surface will gum up....Sam

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

I was not aware about folks adding Everclear as the alcohol. I’m learning all kinds of new stuff. Thanks, Sam.

[@billnordby3142]

Why and how is she going to do anything She's had 3-1/2 years now and still fine not a damn good thing !

[@WYOMINGWOODTURNER]

Sorry, I really don’t know what this comment is referring to. Could you add a little context? Sam