If you do a quick search of the internet for posts on shellac you will uncover hundreds, maybe even thousands of them discussing special aspects of this historic product. You will undoubtedly unearth articles discussing shellac's history and origins. Just in case you don't know, shellac is a resin secreted by the Lac Beetle and chiefly harvested from India and other countries in south Asia. Favored by furniture makers during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, as well as old-fashioned furniture refinishers and period piece makers these days, it fell out of general favor after the development of lacquers and hard wearing polyurethanes. Current woodworkers have created dozens of lists explaining why you should or shouldn't utilize shellac. All of these lists are written by people with years of practice and mounds of success with the various products they support. Without having to recreate the Lincoln-Douglas debates over the subject, it is clear that both sides are missing the number one cause that sets shellac apart from other finishes accessible nowadays, parenthood. Parenthood you say? I'll give details. So there you are in your shop. Your new child is inside your home starting to crawl and play (and chew) on everything in sight and you have decided that your child will have only the best and finest crafted made of wood toys. All made by you; parent, hero, and most importantly craftsmen. As the first few toys come rolling off the construction table, you start thinking about the paint thinner, latex gloves, and the various toxic workings in oil based polyurethanes, not to mention the untidiness that has been required for every other thing you've completed. That doesn't sound like anything that you want your new pride and joy to cut that first incisor on now does it? Shellac to the rescue. That's correct; parenthood and shellac go hand in hand. Why you ask? The first and best basis is that shellac is non-toxic once cured. So non-toxic in fact, that a shellac/wax mixture is used to coat apples in supermarkets. It is also used as a coating for pills, candy, and the inside of ice cream cones. Far more shellac is used by the food and pharmaceutical industries than the woodworking business. I still wouldn't hand your kid a bowl of shellac flakes and soy milk, but it's nice to know that your teething toddler isn't getting a mouthful of toxic chemicals. So shellac is safe for the children. That alone should be basis to use it, but there are others. Children as most parents will tell you are unbelievably destructive. Who wants to refinish a toy that has a chipped and cracked poly finish all over it? That is a lot of sanding and headache to get a surface ready to be refinished. However with shellac, a light scuff sanding and then a fresh coat will fix all that is. The new coat will melt correct into the old, creating a piece that looks like new. Plus it is incredible quick to dry. Thin coats (recommended) will dry in minutes. If the finish is applied in the morning, your little one could be playing with that favorite toy before the day is out. Here is a small list of a few more perks: * Incredibly clarity, even with the darker toned shellacs * Timber looks more natural, feels better to the touch * Can add color to the lumber without the use of other stains * If you are using pine, shellac will seal the knots and end the pitch from bleeding through * Allowable and repairable * Contrary to popular belief, is in fact quite tough and durable * Versatile application methods - can be wiped, padded, brushed, or sprayed * Fun to mix up ( I like mixing up shellac - what of it) Influenced that you should give shellac a try, but still terrified of those irritating flakes? Well its time to get over it. You stepped up to the plate to turn into a parent didn't you? Using shellac is a lot easier. Shellac flakes are easily and readily mixed with denatured alcohol. Add flakes to the alcohol and let liquefy, softly shaking occasionally. This can take between one and two days, so plan accordingly. Two pounds of flakes poured into a gallon of alcohol creates the well known "two pound cut". If you mixed four pounds of flakes in with a gallon of alcohol you would have a "four pound cut." Do the math on smaller mixtures to stay in proportion. It doesn't get much easier then that. The key to remember though is that shellac does have a shelf life of only about a year, so try to mix up just what you need for a project. If you do mix more, a good rule of thumb is to date the mixture. For those of you who want a little help the first time, Hock Finishes (yes the same people that make those really amazing hand plane replacement blades) have fashioned an easy, all in one starter kit for the shellac newbie. It comes complete with all the directions you will need and enough flakes and alcohol to create a small (10 fluid oz.) project sized batch of finish. Once you get your shellac feet about you, you can upgrade to buying bulk flakes (also accessible by Hock) and supply your own alcohol. Try storing your mixes in sealed mason jars. Now get out there and shellac a few toys for the kids.
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Parenthood you say? I'll explain. So there you are in your shop. Your new baby is inside your home starting to crawl and play (and chew) on everything in sight and you have decided that your baby will have only the best and finest crafted made of wood toys. All made by you; parent, hero, and most importantly carpenter. As the first few toys come rolling off the construction table, you start thinking about the paint thinner, latex gloves, and the various toxic components in oil based ...
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