How to Remove Shellac

Co-authored by William & Shannon Latil

Last Updated: May 9, 2023 References

Shellac is a resin that the female lac bug secretes. When processed, it is turned into dry flakes which are dissolved in industrial alcohol to make liquid shellac. ^{[1]
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Research source} Liquid shellac is used as a food glaze, a wood finish, and a brush-on colorant. It is a high quality varnish for wood, and is prized for being a naturally tough primer and sealant. This article explains how to remove shellac that has been used primarily as a wood finish or sealant.

Note that the Shellac Nails product ^{[2]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Checking if the Wood Finish is Shellac

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Shellac was a common wood finish before the 1920s; this may be enough to indicate to you that you have a shellac finish. Shellac is also the principal way to make French polish and has been used for this purpose on quality furniture over the past century. ^{[3]
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2
Test for a shellac finish. Old or new, here is the way to check the finish on the furniture or woodwork: ^{[4]
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- Dab a little denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner on one section of the wood finish. Try to find an inconspicuous spot. ^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  William & Shannon Latil
  Furniture Refinishing & Home Remodeling Specialists
  
  Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.}
- If it is shellac finish, it will liquefy and dissolve. ^{[6]
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- You know it's a lacquer finish if the test spot turns a little white in color. ^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  William & Shannon Latil
  Furniture Refinishing & Home Remodeling Specialists
  
  Expert Interview. 29 October 2021.}
- A result of softening without dissolving suggests there is shellac present but that it has been mixed with lacquer as well.
- Any other response and you're probably looking at a different wood finish. If in doubt, talk to someone familiar with furniture restoration.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Deciding Whether the Shellac Needs Removing

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1
Work to avoid jobs rather than create them when restoring furniture and woodwork! Where the shellac finish appears stained or has dirt embedded in it, try the following first: ^{[8]
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- Sprinkle a mild abrasive compound over the surface. For example, pumice or rotten-stone.
- Work this in.
- Rub off with a cloth.
If the surface looks good again, you're spared having to remove the shellac.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Applying Denatured Alcohol

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For deeper stained, or irregular and missing shellac stain, removing it is probably your best option. Here is how to remove it: ^{[8]
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^{[9]
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This will help it to begin naturally stripping off the shellac. ^{[10]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Removing the Shellac

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2
Rub the shellac with the steel wool. Remove as much as you can with the steel wool.
- This part does require some effort and hard rubbing. You may need to take breaks and come back to it, depending on the size of the job. Getting others to help is always a good solution!
This will be able to reach into narrow spots where the steel wool is just not able to reach.
Change the rag frequently, to avoid reapplying the shellac on stripped parts of the surface.
It's also important to sand the surface before applying a new finish. ^{[12]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Can I sand over shellac on wood that I want to stain and then shellac again?

Mark Champion

Community Answer

Yes, look at French polishing for how to apply. It is not as difficult as it may seem. Clean cloths and a ball of cotton wool are the main requirements.

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I have a small side table on which my grandmother hand-painted a Pennsylvania Dutch design in the 1950's. It appears she "sealed" it with shellac but the shellac has yellowed over the years and worn off in some areas. How can I remove the shellac without disturbing the hand-painted design?

Community Answer

I don't have experience with this, but if it was mine, I might try sanding lightly, to get the shellac off, and then put several coats of polyurethane on to improve the looks.

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Question

How do I remove shellac easily from carved furniture?

Community Answer

Wire wool and methylated (denatured) spirit. It takes time, and you will need gloves if heavily carved. A toothbrush will work, but protect your eyes. Best done outside.

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Tips

Shellac comes in various colors––button polish is golden brown and is made from the highest grade shellac; standard French polish has orange undertones from the orange shellac flakes; bleached shellac results in pale colored woods retaining their paleness and transparent shellac polish comes from removing the natural wax found in bleached shellac. ^{[1]
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There are also commercial preparations available for removing shellac. Decide whether you want to spend the added cost by getting advice from the retailer or manufacturer.

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Warnings

Despite being natural, some shellac surfaces may be hard to remove. It can be a combination of age, method of application and what other layers have been added. If you are struggling too much, seek professional advice.

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You may need to reapply the denatured alcohol frequently, as it will dry fast and more will be needed.

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If you reapply a shellac finish, be aware that it is very easy to scratch and that it is susceptible to damage from both water and alcohol. ^{[1]
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Research source} You will also need to be quite skilled in its application and polishing.

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Expert Source

William & Shannon Latil
Furniture Refinishing & Home Remodeling Specialists

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How to Remove Shellac

Steps

Checking if the Wood Finish is Shellac

Deciding Whether the Shellac Needs Removing

Applying Denatured Alcohol

Removing the Shellac

Community Q&A

Tips

Warnings

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References

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