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.