Natural Shellac Flakes: Protection and Finish for Wood

**Natural shellac flakes** is a natural resin secreted by an insect, *Kerria lacca*, which lives on some tropical plants, especially in India and Thailand. After harvesting, this resin is purified and transformed into **flakes** of variable color (from golden yellow to orange-brown), which can then be dissolved in alcohol to create a protective varnish.

**Main characteristics of shellac flakes:**
- **Natural** and **biodegradable**.
- **Easy to apply** on wood and other materials.
- It gives a **warm finish** and **glossy**, much appreciated in violin making (musical instruments), in the restoration of antique furniture and in gilding.
- It dissolves easily in ethyl alcohol (95° or more).
- Available in various degrees of purity and colors: for example **dewaxed shellac** (clearer) or **waxy shellac** (more natural but less transparent).

**Common uses:**
- **Wood finish**: protects and enhances the natural color of the wood.
- **Restoration**: it is reversible (can be removed without damage), ideal for antique furniture.
- **Gilt**: as a base for gold leaf.
- **Luthiery**: for painting stringed instruments (violins, guitars).

**Basic preparation of shellac**:
1. Weigh the flakes (e.g. 100 g).
2. Dissolve in pure ethyl alcohol (e.g. 1 liter) in a closed container.
3. Leave to stand for 24-48 hours, shaking occasionally, until completely dissolved.
4. Filter if necessary to eliminate any impurities.

**Note**: the solution must be stored away from light and air to prevent it from deteriorating.