COMMON SHELLAC MYTHS

MYTH:

Shellac is made from bugs or bug droppings.

FACT:

Shellac is a resin secreted by the lac insect to form a cocoon, much like a silkworm. It takes about 100,000 lac bugs to make 1 lb. of shellac resin.

Myth:

Shellac turns an ugly dark color as it ages.

FACT:

Shellac is UV-resistant and does not yellow or darken with age. The dark shellac that people see in older homes is a less-refined version of shellac that either was naturally dark or was tinted by contractors when dark wood colors were preferred in the early 20th century

Myth:

A shellac finish turns white when water touches it.

FACT:

Fresh shellac is remarkably water-resistant and, in most cases, will stay clear after hours of exposure to water, making it a great finish for most interior surfaces, including woodwork, trim, doors, cabinets, paneling, floors (yes, floors!) and furniture.