Ruby Shellac, Free of Resin & Wax, Varnish, Natural Primer and Stain-blocking
Price range: $41 through $7,892
In Stock
- Free of resin & wax
- Ruby shellac
- Made in Germany
Ruby shellac is free of resin and wax, varnish, natural primer and stain-blocking that dissolves easily and contains no resin or wax. Artists, carpenters, decorators, and gilders use it in many ways. Gilders often brush shellac over gesso, which is made from rabbit skin glue and whiting, to keep the gilding size from mixing in. They also apply shellac over metal leaf after it is applied, using different methods to protect it from oxidation. For artists, shellac is a traditional sealer that helps give their work a polished, professional look.
Shellac for wood finishing & supplies
- Shellac flakes, a natural resin, let woodworkers craft unique, lustrous finishes tailored to each project.
- Denatured alcohol dissolves shellac flakes. Dewaxed shellac works as a universal seal coat, leaving topcoats untouched. Choose blond or clear shellac to highlight the wood’s natural colour. For a classic touch, try French polishing, a time-honoured method using a Microfibre Cloth and orange shellac.
- Many woodworkers wonder how to mix shellac in different strengths, like the 1-pound or 2-pound cut, to achieve the perfect finish.
- Shellac is especially valued in wood finishing and restoration for its versatility.
- Wood varnish: for centuries, shellac has enhanced the appearance of furniture, musical instruments, and antiques. The traditional French polishing method, applied by hand, creates a smooth, elegant finish.
- Sealant and primer: shellac adheres well, making it a preferred undercoat for many craftsmen. It serves as a wood primer, sanding sealant, tannin blocker, and can seal persistent odour.
- Artwork isolator: artists use shellac as a protective layer or fixative between paint layers. between paint layers.
How to dissolve shellac
To dissolve shellac, add 100g of it to 1 litre of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or methylated spirit in a glass jar. Seal the jar well and place it in a warm spot. Shake the jar several times to accelerate the dissolution process. Once the Shellac has completely dissolved, it is ready for use. Remember to keep it sealed, cool, and well!
- Add 100g of shellac to 1 liter of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) or methylated spirit in a glass jar.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a warm area.
- Shake the jar firmly several times to help dissolve.
- The shellac is ready for use once it has completely dissolved.
- Shellac serves as an excellent sealer for protecting artwork. You can apply it using a brush, cotton yarn, or microfiber-cloth.
- It is non-toxic in its natural state and is intended for indoor use only.
We also stock a selection of shellac finishes, including French Polish Orange shellac, Lemon shellac, Blond shellac, Clear Shellac, and Ruby shellac.
Recommended reading: How to remove shellac at hom DIY
Choosing the right gilding size is crucial for successful application. For special gilding projects, refer to the guide on Choosing The Right Gilding Adhesive.
Use the chart below to determine the right gilding size for your project
| Gilding Size | Indoor | Outdoor | Genuine leaf | Imitation leaf | Porous surface | Non-porous surface | Water-based | Oil-based | Ready in | You have open time |
| Aqua | YES | YES | YES | YES | 1h | 60h | ||||
| Ceramic | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | 30min | 1h | |||
| Instacoll | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | 30min | 1h, 48h | ||
| Lefranc | YES | YES | YES | YES | 1h | 24h | ||||
| Lefranc | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | 1h | 3h | |
| Mission | YES | YES | YES | YES | 15min | 1h | ||||
| Miniatum | YES | YES | YES | YES | 30min | 1h | ||||
| Otari | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | 4h | 4-12h | |
| Permacoll | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | 1h | 1h, 48h | |||
| Rapid Stone | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | 30min | 1h | |||
| Powder Size | YES | YES | YES | YES | 30min | 1h | ||||
| Signcoll | YES | YES | YES | YES | 30min | 4-12h |













