Shellac is substance similar to varnish that is clear to orange/red in color, it is produced from the lac insect, a beetle of India. Shellac is made from the finely crushed shells/wings of the insect and is commonly used as a timber coating.

Shellac has many uses and we encourage you to experiment with it’s artistic application! Shellac is commonly found in hardware stores or art supply stores in the form of semi-transparent golden flakes, these should be dissolved in methylated spirits before application with a brush.

Although some may argue that modern-day sealers and varnishes are better than traditional shellac, it remains popular among artists due to its unique properties, ease of use and in particular it's golden sheen. An artist may use shellac as a size, a timber varnish, to waterproof paper, or as a painting medium. It can also be used as an all purpose coating such as an alternative to fixative for charcoal drawings.

Shellac is readily recognized in timber work, in particular antique furniture where shellac was used to stain, seal and varnish. By applying many layers of shellac a wonderful warm golden glow would be built up which enhanced the appearance of the timber grain and protected the timber surface too.