Shellac mixing chart
Use our chart to select the right proportions of shellac flakes and denatured alcohol to make your own shellac finish.
What you need
- shellac flakes (available from woodessence.com)
- denatured alcohol (99% isopropyl alcohol is available from most pharmacies)
- a glass or plastic bottle
The ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol is called the ‘cut’. Put the required amount of shellac flakes into a bottle, add the required amount of alcohol and cover.
Slightly more or less of each component isn’t critical.
Wait until the contents are dissolved. You can speed things up by shaking the bottle or stirring the contents every few hours.
Only make the amount you think you can use in a 4 to 6 month period – liquid shellac has a limited shelf life.
Shellac mixing chart
Carl Duguay - [email protected]
Carl is a Victoria-based furniture maker and the web editor at Canadian Woodworking & Home Improvement.
Do you filter after mixing the shellac? If so… Through what? Cheesecloth, coffee filter?
I always use dewaxed shellac Rick, so I don’t have to filter. After the shellac/alcohol mixture has set overnight it should be clear (everything dissolved). If it’s not you can add a bit more alcohol, agitate the mixture and let it sit a while longer.