Kenlac® Shellac

Kenlac Shellac is a premium, natural resin-based finish dissolved in alcohol, designed for high-quality woodworking and restoration. Revered by traditional craftsmen for generations, it produces a warm, amber tone that enhances the natural depth and chatoyancy of fine timbers like Mahogany, Teak, and Walnut.

The Traditional Finish for Fine Furniture and Knot Sealing.

Kenlac Shellac is a premium, natural resin-based finish dissolved in alcohol, designed for high-quality woodworking and restoration. Revered by traditional craftsmen for generations, it produces a warm, amber tone that enhances the natural depth and chatoyancy of fine timbers like Mahogany, Teak, and Walnut.

Beyond its aesthetic beauty, Kenlac Shellac acts as a powerful barrier coat. It is the industry standard for “Knotting”—sealing resinous knots in softwoods to prevent sap from bleeding through and ruining subsequent paint layers. It dries extremely quickly to a hard, brittle film that sands easily, making it an excellent sealer for porous woods before waxing or varnishing.

Key Features:

  • Deep Gloss: The foundation of the traditional “French Polish” mirror finish.

  • Knot Sealer: Effectively blocks resin and sap bleed in Pine and Cypress.

  • Fast Drying: Alcohol base evaporates rapidly, allowing multiple coats in one hour.

  • Odor Barrier: Excellent at sealing in odors from smoke or damp wood.

Base Natural Shellac Flakes / Methylated Spirit
Appearance Golden Amber / Orange Liquid
Specific Gravity 0.85 ± 0.02
Drying Time Touch Dry: 10-15 Minutes
Recoat Time 30 Minutes
Cleanup Methylated Spirit
Shelf Life 12 Months (Store cool & dark)

1. Knotting (Sealing Knots) This is essential before painting softwoods (Pine, Cypress).

  • Method: Apply a generous coat of Kenlac Shellac directly over the knot and the surrounding area. Allow to dry (approx. 20 mins) and apply a second coat.

  • Result: This prevents the brown resin stain from bleeding through your white gloss paint months later.

2. French Polishing (The High Gloss Method)

  • The Rubber: Create a “fade” or “rubber” (a wad of cotton wool wrapped in a linen cloth).

  • Application: Charge the rubber with Shellac and apply in circular or figure-of-eight motions. Keep the rubber moving to avoid burning the finish.

  • Build Up: Apply many thin layers, allowing alcohol to flash off, until a deep, glass-like shine is achieved.

3. Sanding Sealer Substitute Can be used as a general sealer for porous woods. Brush on, allow to dry, and sand back lightly with 320 grit paper before applying wax or varnish.

4. Thinning & Cleanup

  • Thinner: Use Methylated Spirit (not Turpentine or standard Thinners).

  • Cleanup: Brushes can be washed in Methylated Spirit or warm water with household ammonia.

No 3D model available for this product.