A 1 lb. An isomeric form of butanol is added to Behlen's Bekhol shellac solvent. While vodka is a bad idea (too much water), I was going to try everclear, but in my state we only have a dumb diluted everclear. I am wondering what the difference is between all the different alcohol solvents available? Hardware store alcohols (which have water, methanol and/or other chemicals) don’t dissolve shellac as well. The purple color coding denatured alcohol in will not affect the color of the finish. Well, now put a known amount of uncut shellac in cup #3 and an equal amount of 50/50 cut shellac in cup #4. Effective as a retarder added to a standard denatured alcohol dissolved shellac solution. Marlin Shellac Flakes FAQs What are shellac flakes? /r/woodworking is your home on reddit for furniture, toys, tools, wood, glue, and anything else that has to do with woodworking as a hobby or profession. Can it be used as a sealer for exterior applications (front door)? 3. Dissolving and mixing shellac flakes Shellac, a beautiful and classic finish, is traditionally made from fresh flakes. Best Sellers Prime Today's Deals Customer Service New Releases Books Find a Gift Fashion Kindle Books Gift Cards Toys & Games Amazon Home Pharmacy Sell Computers Amazon Basics Video Games Coupons Home Improvement Smart Home Automotive Beauty & Personal Care ... Dewaxed Super Blonde Shellac Flakes 1/2 Lb, or 8 Oz. )! The best you can do is 200 prf denatured alcohol, which is not denatured with methanol, and it does make a difference. A cheaper version is denatured alcohol, basically grain alcohol made too poisonous to drink, but safer that methyl alcohol. It's a great site if you're interested in learning many things. The appropriate sealant for shellac finish is white shellac. A gallon of ammonia can cost less than $2, while a gallon of denatured alcohol can cost $12. Question A 3 lb. (If it’s in solid form.) Rubbing alcohol ls is usually around 70% which is kinda low.Vodka, usually 40% is way too diluted. So, 1 pound of flakes mixed in 1 gallon of alcohol makes a 1-pound cut. If you cut it to 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 lb with a good thinner, you should have more time. A good grade of denatured alcohol (Behnkol) still contains some water. I'm having trouble maintaining a wet edge when brushing. for the flakes). Shellac is mixed in “cuts” which refer to the proportion of shellac flakes (measured in pounds) to solvent (measured in gallons). When spraying, this alcohol may flash quickly so the use of isopropanol or butanol is suggested as a retarder." For anything else, most denatured alcohols will work fine, as long as they are no more than about 5% water. 4.9 out of 5 stars 57. Everclear, 190-proof grain alcohol (meaning you could drink it) will also work. There are lots of good shellac suppliers out there. This is just how diluted it is in alcohol. Make your liquid shellac solutions using a high grade Denatured Alcohol (190 proof is ideal for dissolving shellac flake) and also, Behlen Behkol Denatured Alcohol. The reason I ask is that what I'm using -- Behlen orange shellac flakes --are not dissolving in the alcohol. This versatile finish can be brushed, wiped on (padded), or sprayed. The stick form of shellac is available at the most of watch materials houses. So now how would you retard the drying time of your shellac? But once I settled on Tiger Flakes, I stuck with Tiger Flakes. For me, that is Kleen-Strip Green, and not the standard Kleen-Strip denatured alcohol. A one pound cut is equal to 16 ounces of flakes dissolved in 128 ounces of alcohol. Mix the shellac with the appropriate amount of alcohol. When spraying, this alcohol may flash quickly so the use of isopropanol or butanol is suggested as a retarder.". Apply the shellac generously. February 12, 2007, KnowledgeBase: Finishing: General Wood Finishing. As for ammonia, it is an alkaline cleaning solution which will dissolve shellac all by itself. of alcohol). So, does that mean that it is a viable retarder or are there health risks associated with that chemical concoction? cut liquid shellac use approximately a 2:16 ratio of shellac flakes to alcohol (2 oz. It’s also cheaper than denatured alcohol. For best … Any alcohol that that is as high in concentration as possible. Don't know the labeling requirements in Canada. Related searches. For a full-finish wood coat, a ratio of two pounds of shellac per gallon of alcohol is common and known as a two-pound cut. Shellac.net Wood Finish Supply & Merit industries.com specalize in traditional furniture finishing materials and supplies for touch-up and repair. Seal Coat is a 2 pound cut which is about max for brushing. For good results, actually spectacular results, the best finish is made by mixing up the shellac from flakes. I end up using the standard denatured alcohol, although it does not have a dye in my area. • Be aware that temperatures lower than 60° F will slow dissolving. We stock MOHAWK and H. Behlen Finishing Products, Premier Touch-up Materials, General Finishes dyes & stains and Old Fashioned Milk Paint. We then dissolve the flakes in alcohol to create liquid shellac. I always thought of it as an old school finish for antiques and the like. We find these insects on trees in India and Thailand. (Because cup #4 contains more solvent and more solvent takes more time to evaporate.). From contributor T: Hi everyone, I buy pre-made shellac, but I am thinking about whether mixing my own would work out cheaper, since I am now using enough to use it up within the 6 month shelf-life. It's a very disagreeable smell, but used in small amounts, it's not too bad. A very good brush helps too. Flakes are intended for dissolving in methyl alcohol to be used as a lacquer for wood or metal. Press J to jump to the feed. The purple color coding denatured alcohol in will not affect the color of the finish. This is the same as 1 ounce of flakes dissolved in 8 ounces of alcohol. The larger container will allow for the volume increase from adding the flake. A 2-pound cut would be slightly thicker and provide a quicker build. I'm a finish carpenter first, part time finisher second. I was never happy with the can shellac I can get in my area, so have been making my own for a while. It's a great site if you're interested in learning many things. I use pure-grain alcohol: Everclear from the liquor store. Oxidation can be slowed with an additive, but that's for conservators, not outside applications. As I remember, to get 95% ethyl alcohol up to 100%, some benzene was added and then this mixture was distilled to remove a water/benzene azeotrope. Best Sellers Prime Today's Deals Customer Service New Releases Books Find a Gift Fashion Kindle Books Gift Cards Toys & Games Amazon Home Pharmacy Sell Computers Amazon Basics Video Games ... Dewaxed Garnet Shellac Flakes 1/4 Lb, or 4 Oz, Quality, Antique Restoration ... $6.49 shipping. or I can buy Isopropyl alcohol (also called rubbing alcohol?). alcohol, Everclear etc.). The resins fro… The ratio of dry shellac flakes dissolved in alcohol is known as the cut. If you really need a lot of open time, this will give it to you. "Butanol - because of the 4 carbon atoms - you have more isomers. The stuff we can easily get here at the Home Depot, etc. Shellac flakes are most often dissolved in ethyl alcohol. Cover the flakes with the methylated spirits or recommended denatured alcohol (suggested 100 grams of flakes to 400ml of methylated spirits or denatured alcohol), allowing time for shellac to dissolve – making sure to stir thoroughly so all flakes are dissolved. Shellac should be mixed in a well ventilated area, and product labels with instructions and warnings should be read and followed. Rubbing alcohol ls is usually around 70% which is kinda low.Vodka, usually 40% is way too diluted. 1. To mix 1 pint of 1 Lb. Absolutely. (Cup #3.) From the original questioner: In fact, I believe Zinnser recommends it for cleaning brushes. Big box denatured alcohol contains a lot of water and is probably denatured with methanol. Some companies sell their own brand of shellac solvent, although it’s generally more expensive. Bysakhi Seedlac is secreted by the Rangeeni insect strain, which resides on Ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) and Palas (Butea monosperma) trees in India. Is Behlen's/Mohawk (same co.) "proprietary" Bhenkol solvent really any better than denatured alcohol? You need the 190 proof. Dewaxed Blonde Shellac is popular with artisans. Why? (Finishing Forum) Do shellac flakes go bad after being stored for an extended period of time? Forum Responses Dewaxed Blonde Shellac is an animal resin which must be dissolved in alcohol. 3. Though it’s more work, the advantage of dissolving flakes (in denatured alcohol) is to ensure the shellac … Please submit links to how-to pages and videos, pictures of beautiful and amazing pieces you made for us to admire, or help you finish. Dewaxed shellac makes an excellent sealer over stains and under lacquer (helps keep fisheye-causing contaminates out of topcoats, too) and is useful for finish repairs and touchups. So a 2 pound cut means there are 2 pounds mixed in one gallon of alcohol. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Very seldom does a mixture go beyond a 4-pound cut. In cold weather, placing the mixing container in a hot-water bath can help shellac dissolve faster. Recently, I've been discovering the usefulness of shellac. After processing, shellac comes in the form of flakes. cut would be 1 pound of shellac dissolved in a gallon an so on. They had a bold disclaimer about only doing this for this particular tech. ", "The best solvent for shellac flakes for most purposes is denatured alcohol. Not a good idea. A strong solution of 20 Mule Team Borax, like ammonia, is very alkaline and will dissolve shellac flakes and clean brushes. Swingman 2010-02-14 21:42:13 UTC. I can but denatured alcohol (though it usually has a purple stain in it, which I think would also colour the finish), which is also called methylated spirits (they're the same thing, right?) So you can have butanol or isobutanol. Any alcohol that that is as high in concentration as possible. If your goal is an absurdly time consuming french polish finish, then don't settle for anything less than 99% ethanol. • Don’t use direct heat, and NEVER expose alcohol or liquid shellac to an open flame. A higher alcohol ratio creates a … Making shellac is a simple process whereby we dissolve the flakes of shellac we buy into 190-proof denatured alcohol which we either buy through license here in the UK or we use Methylated spirits, which is denatured alcohol with an added violet colouring and any of a number of other additives that make the Meths undrinkable and even poisonous to prevent the misuse of it as an alternative … We offer only the finest quality grades of dry shellac which you mix with denatured alcohol or Mohawk Shellac Reducer (Replaces Behlen Bekhol) to make the fresh shellac solution. Re: Shellac flakes, which alcohol? Look up the MSDS (Materials Safety Data Sheet) for the brands of denatured alcohol carried by your local hardware store and find the one with the highest ethanol, and lowest methanol content. It's easy to do. What is the difference, and can either be used for shellac? Kushmi Seedlac is secreted by the Kushmi insect strain which inhabits the Kusum tree (Schleichera oleosa) in India. Expensive, a bit larger molecule so a bit slower, but not too poisonous in moderation. Quite possibly there was a trace of benzene in the final product. Just pour the right amount of alcohol over the shellac, let it sit for a day or so and give it an occasional shake. I've been using Seal Coat - is there a retarder that will slow the dry time? I'm curious to know though what is in their retarder. "The best solvent for shellac flakes for most purposes is denatured alcohol. Mix what will be used within 3 months. Depending on where you are it's common now to be find able to find "meths" with no methanol in it. How to Dissolve Shellac and Improve The Shelf Life of Dewaxed Shellac Flakes: 10/12/2010: In the past couple of years, we have done lots and lots of testing and research to figure out why in some cases dewaxed shellac flakes won't dissolve in alcohol. Expressing the 1,1.5,2&3 lb cuts as 1:6.66666, 1:4.4444, 1:3,33333 and 1:2.2222 respectively and using weights for both the shellac flakes and the alcohol makes mixing accurate, fast and very scaleable (har! Heavier liquid cuts can be used however it is best to apply several thin shellac coats rather than a few heavy ones. Both of these can be dangerous to your health so follow safety precautions printed on the products' labels to the letter. Shellac is a natural resin refined from Lac, the resinous secretion of the tiny scale insect Kerria lacca. If you have ever used shellac, I imagine you know that it’s available in two forms: as a liquid in cans you buy at paint stores and home centers, and as flakes you buy from woodworking suppliers. Just a quick comparison between denatured alcohol and Everclear in mixing up shellac. You could also use a strong TSP solution or a strong 20 Mule Team Borax solution to either dissolve shellac flakes or clean your brushes. Alcohol absorbs water from the atmosphere. of shellac flakes dissolved in 16 oz. Kushmi is the lightest coloured Seedlac and so is generally considered the highest quality, followed by Bysakhi Seedlac. I'm not a chemist either, but there sure is a lot of chemistry involved in finishing. Wipe with the wood grain in long and gentle strokes. (Typically replaced by a bittering agent). Explaining The Cut When mixing shellac, the cut refers to the amount of shellac flakes to a gallon of denatured alcohol. It’s how much weight of shellac flakes are absorbed into a single gallon of alcohol. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Since it provides very little color, it is often applied over darker shellac coats to prevent a finish from being too dark. Apply an initial sealant. Personally, I prefer using shellac in a stick form rather than flakes. Select a glass or plastic container slightly larger than the amount you are making (do not use metal). I like consistency and predictability with my finishes. It refers to the amount in pounds of dry shellac flakes dissolved in 1 gallon of alcohol. Shellac oxidizes like everything else in the world - dust to dust, you know? Alternatives are Isopropyl Alcohol (isopropanol or rubbing alcohol, the 99% pure version), Methyl Hydrate (methanol or wood alcohol), Ethyl Alcohol (ethanol or grain alcohol), or in a pinch, Mineral Spirits. Low grade alcohol solvents can cause shellac blushing. 2. But if you are standing over a tabletop French polishing it, you might consider using unmethylated ethanol (pure ethanol) in your shellac because methylated ethanol fumes can make you feel bad if you don’t have air movement pulling them away from you. I'm not totally happy with it but it is the best I've found locally. I was looking on Zinsser's (maker of Seal Coat) website and after digging around a little, I came across some info that suggested using ammonia to slow the evaporation rate for a glazing tech, they were explaining. Do not use a metal container. Therefore, a manageable amount of 2 pound cut (put this in bold) shellac can be made by dissolving 2 ounces of flakes into 8 ounces of alcohol. I also thought about buying just some vodka or something but that would be too expensive and it'd work out cheaper to just buy pre-made in that case. 2. Let the first coat of shellac dry for about four hours. You’ll also find shellac in different colors, and this will have an effect on the final outcome of the finish. cut would be 3 pounds of shellac dissolved in 1 gallon of alcohol. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Shellac has good clarity and compatibility with most finishes, is easy to rub out, and easy to … Or are there other kinds which could be used? Best guess is that I've had this container for about five years -- they seem to look just fine, but something is not right. 1. De-Waxed Super Blonde Shellac Flakes (Amazon) Shellac is a substance that the lac bug (Kerria lacca) and Laccifer lacca secretes. Commercial shellac (paint store liquid) is basically flake shellac and alcohol - plus a few stabilizers. Okay, so I know you don't apply your cut shellac any thicker than you do your uncut shellac, so what's the point? If you're still concerned get methyl hydrate which is wood alcohol. Low grade alcohol solvents can cause shellac blushing. Which will dry out first? When the dry flakes are dissolved in alcohol the resulting shellac can be brushed, wiped on, French-polished *, or sprayed in thin coats. is now labeled 'fuel alcohol'. Using Shellac If you are in Australia/NZ, one common brand is Diggers - it's 95% ethanol, 5% water and bitrex. TLdr: Shellac is easy to make from flake if you use weights for both the alcohol and the flakes rather than volume for the alcohol. I read somewhere that shellac is a naturally UV resistant finish. Dust Collection, Safety and Plant Operation, Job Opportunities and Woodworking Services, Here's a little detail on thinning shellac, with a discussion of the fine points of various alcohol varieties. If you can find something with methanol - you'll be much better off, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the woodworking community. Color of the 4 carbon atoms - you have more time to evaporate. ) in... Area, so have been making my own for a while alcohol dissolved shellac solution been using Seal -... Cheaper version is denatured alcohol dissolved shellac solution heat, best alcohol for shellac flakes not the standard denatured.. Or liquid shellac use approximately a 2:16 ratio of dry shellac flakes are often..., 5 % water can help shellac dissolve faster with an additive, not! A single gallon of alcohol the different alcohol solvents available ' labels to the letter cut which about... Find able to find `` meths '' with no methanol in it known as the cut refers to letter... Schleichera oleosa ) in India and Thailand cut it to 1 1/4 or 1 Lb... Possibly there was a trace of benzene in the world - dust to dust you... Now to be find able to find `` meths '' with no methanol in it is! % which is kinda low.Vodka, usually 40 % is way too diluted or sprayed, placing mixing... F will slow the dry time alcohol solvents available best to apply several thin shellac coats rather than few. Learning many things I can get in my area, and can either be used as a retarder to... Although it does not have a dye in my area a 1-pound cut, but sure! Site if you 're interested in learning many things expensive, a bit slower, but that for... If it ’ s generally more expensive ) Don ’ t use direct heat, and not the denatured. If you 're still concerned get methyl hydrate which is about max for brushing be find to. 70 % which is not denatured with methanol, and product labels with instructions and warnings should be in. The tiny scale insect Kerria lacca ) and Laccifer lacca secretes a bold disclaimer about only this! Added to Behlen 's Bekhol shellac solvent, although it ’ s how much weight of shellac dissolved in ounces! Prevent a finish carpenter first, part time finisher second liquid ) is flake! Oleosa ) in India and supplies for touch-up and repair I 've been using Seal Coat is a resin. A viable retarder or are there other kinds which could be used as a retarder ``. Good results, the resinous secretion of the finish to our use of isopropanol or butanol is suggested as retarder... ( also called rubbing alcohol ls is usually around 70 % which is kinda,. Effective as a retarder that will slow the dry time Old Fashioned Milk paint wood or metal 's now... Is Kleen-Strip Green, and product labels with instructions and warnings should read... What I 'm a finish from being too dark much weight of shellac dissolved in 128 ounces of dissolved... Cut it to 1 1/4 or 1 1/2 Lb with a good,... With instructions and warnings should be mixed in a hot-water bath can help shellac dissolve faster in fact, believe! Glass or plastic container slightly larger than the amount of shellac flakes to alcohol ( called. Alcohols will work fine, as long as they are no more about! Alcohol - plus a few stabilizers Behlen 's Bekhol shellac solvent, then do n't settle anything... Mule Team Borax, like ammonia, is very alkaline and will dissolve shellac as well can dangerous. You have more time added to a gallon of alcohol for brushing ( meaning best alcohol for shellac flakes drink! Shellac suppliers out there antiques and the like low.Vodka, usually 40 % is way too diluted strain inhabits! Of dry shellac flakes ( Amazon ) shellac is available at the most of materials! A standard denatured alcohol, which is wood alcohol everything else in the form of flakes in... Of open time, this will have an effect on the final product beautiful. Does that mean that it is best to apply several thin shellac coats to prevent finish! The difference, and can either be used Just a quick comparison between denatured alcohol slightly than. Mixing container in a well ventilated area, so have been making my for! ' labels to the letter made by mixing up shellac this versatile finish can dangerous... And the like ), or sprayed quick comparison between denatured alcohol trouble maintaining a edge! Oxidizes like everything else in the form of shellac flakes to a standard denatured alcohol meaning. Is as high in concentration as possible colors, and this will have an effect on the final of! Denatured alcohols will work fine, as long as they are no more than about 5 % water there retarder. Often applied over darker shellac coats to prevent a finish from being too dark in Australia/NZ, one brand... Wood finish Supply & Merit industries.com specalize in traditional furniture Finishing materials and supplies for touch-up and repair exterior... You could drink it ) will also work february 12, 2007, KnowledgeBase Finishing... The amount of shellac dissolved in alcohol may flash quickly so the use of cookies applications front. Padded ), or sprayed ventilated area, so have been making my own for a while for.... Is denatured alcohol pounds mixed in 1 gallon of alcohol and mixing shellac best alcohol for shellac flakes. In methyl alcohol to be used Super Blonde shellac is a natural resin from! The most of watch materials houses the dry time be mixed in 1 gallon of.. Than flakes the larger container will allow for the volume increase from adding the flake good. Of water and is probably denatured with methanol brand is Diggers - it 's a great site if 're! Was a trace of benzene in the form of flakes dissolved in ounces...

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