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:
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Deep Gloss: The foundation of the traditional “French Polish” mirror finish.
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Knot Sealer: Effectively blocks resin and sap bleed in Pine and Cypress.
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Fast Drying: Alcohol base evaporates rapidly, allowing multiple coats in one hour.
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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).
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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.
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Result: This prevents the brown resin stain from bleeding through your white gloss paint months later.
2. French Polishing (The High Gloss Method)
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The Rubber: Create a “fade” or “rubber” (a wad of cotton wool wrapped in a linen cloth).
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Application: Charge the rubber with Shellac and apply in circular or figure-of-eight motions. Keep the rubber moving to avoid burning the finish.
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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
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Thinner: Use Methylated Spirit (not Turpentine or standard Thinners).
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Cleanup: Brushes can be washed in Methylated Spirit or warm water with household ammonia.
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