Shellac Base And Top Coats: Are They Interchangeable?

Shellac is a natural product made from the secretion of the female lac bug combined with a solvent, typically alcohol. It is used as a protective coating for wood and non-wood items, and can also add a warm amber colour to the surface. Shellac is available in liquid form or as flakes that must be dissolved.

Shellac can be used as a base coat or a top coat. However, it is important to note that there are different types of shellac base and top coats, and they are not always interchangeable. For example, in nail care, there are 7 types of top coats and 2 types of base coats. Using the wrong type of coat can lead to issues with the final product, such as a dull matte effect or difficulties during removal.

When using shellac as a base coat for wood, it is important to ensure that the shellac is dewaxed before applying a top coat of varnish or polyurethane. This is because the wax in shellac can cause adhesion problems with these types of top coats, leading to potential failure of the finish. However, some woodworkers have reported using non-dewaxed shellac under polyurethane without any issues.

In summary, while shellac can be used as both a base coat and a top coat, it is important to use the correct type of shellac for each application and to follow any necessary preparation steps, such as dewaxing, to ensure a successful finish.

Shellac is a natural product made from the secretion of the female lac bug

The process of making shellac begins with workers cutting encrusted branches coated in sticklac. These branches are transported to refineries, where they are scraped to remove the insect secretions. The sticklac is then ground down and screened to remove dead insects and wood debris. After being rinsed and dried, the substance is melted into a liquid and dried again. At this stage, it is still amorphous and reddish-orange in colour due to the tree sap the lac bugs have consumed. To create the final shellac product, the substance is liquified using a solvent—usually ethyl alcohol. The resulting mixture is then dried and flaked, and can then be mixed with denatured alcohol to create the consumer product.

Shellac has a wide range of applications, including wood finishing, food glaze, medication, and cosmetics. In woodworking, shellac is often used as a base coat or primer due to its ability to block odours, stains, and tannins. It can also be used as a top coat, providing a hard, attractive, and moderately durable finish. However, it is important to note that shellac is not as water-resistant as some other finishes and can be dissolved by ammonia and pure alcohol.

In the beauty industry, shellac is used in nail polish, hair spray, mascara, and hair styling products. It adds shine and helps bind and emulsify various ingredients. Shellac is also used as a glazing agent in the food industry, where it is known as confectioner's glaze. It is non-toxic and approved by the FDA for use in candies, pharmaceuticals, fruit, and children's furniture.

Shellac can be used as a base coat for CND Shellac gel polish

The CND Shellac gel polish is designed for individuals who want long-lasting colour and care for their nails. It can be applied to natural nails, adding an extra layer of protection and strength, making nails less prone to breakage. It can also be placed over nail enhancements, guaranteeing perfect colour until the next service.

The Shellac system promises brilliant shine and quick, safe removal without damaging the nail when used with the CND Shellac base and top coat and the CND LED lamp. The removal process involves quick-release polymers that release the coating from the nail efficiently.

The CND Shellac base coat comes in a 0.25 oz size and a larger 0.42 oz size. It is recommended to apply a thin layer of the base coat, curing it for 10 seconds in the CND LED lamp before applying the colour coat.

Shellac can be used as a top coat for CND Shellac gel polish

To use Shellac as a top coat, follow these steps:

• Shake the bottle to blend the formula.
• Apply a thin layer of Shellac Base Coat to all 5 nails and cure for 2 minutes in the CND UV Lamp.
• Apply two coats of the desired colour, curing each coat in the UV lamp.
• Finish with a layer of Shellac Top Coat.

It is important to note that while Shellac can be used as a top coat, it is also designed to be used as a system, including a Base Coat, Colour Coat, and Top Coat, along with the CND LED Lamp. This ensures the promised two weeks of wear without chipping or peeling.

Additionally, Shellac has various advantages when used as a top coat for nail polish. It provides an extra layer of protection and strength to natural nails, making them less prone to breakage. It also guarantees perfect colour until the next service when placed over nail enhancements. Shellac is also easier to remove than regular gel nails, as it requires less scraping and soaking in acetone, resulting in less damage to the natural nails.

Shellac is not suitable for kitchen tables as it is affected by heat and chemicals

Shellac is a film finish, which means it builds up a thin protective layer over wood, similar to lacquer or polyurethane. It is a combination of ethyl alcohol and shellac flakes, which are processed from the secretion of Lac insects found in India and Pakistan. Shellac is not suitable for kitchen tables as it is not very durable and is susceptible to damage from heat and chemicals.

Shellac is not durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of a kitchen table. It is easily scratched and can be damaged by water and household chemicals. While it is possible to build up a thick finish with multiple coats of shellac, it is still not as durable as other finishes such as varnish or polyurethane.

In addition, shellac is not heat-resistant. Hot coffee or tea cups placed on the table can damage the finish. Similarly, direct sunlight can also cause the shellac to deteriorate over time.

For these reasons, shellac is not recommended for kitchen tables or any surface that will be exposed to heat, moisture, or heavy use. Other finishes, such as varnish or polyurethane, would be more suitable for a kitchen table as they offer better protection and durability.

To protect a shellac finish on a table, it is advisable to use a glass or vinyl top. This will help prevent damage from heat, moisture, and spills, ensuring the longevity of the finish.

Shellac is not as durable as varnish

Shellac is a natural product made from the dried secretions of the female Lac beetle. It is dissolved in a solvent, such as alcohol, and used as a finish. Shellac is susceptible to water damage and is sensitive to heat and chemicals. For example, a white ring can develop if a hot mug or pan is placed on a shellac finish. It is also soluble in alcohol, so spilling an alcoholic drink will dissolve the finish.

Varnish, on the other hand, is a very durable finish. It is a cross-linked resin compound that is high in oil, flexible, and can expand and contract with temperature changes. It is excellent for outdoor use and is generally impervious to saltwater, heat, cold, and UV light. Varnish is also quite durable, though not as much as polyurethane. It imparts a warm glow to wood and is suitable for indoor furniture.

Varnish, being more durable, can remain intact for years without needing to be refinished. It is an ideal finish for outdoor projects and raw wood used in exterior settings. Varnish also provides natural UV light protection, making it a good choice for items that will be near or on the water, such as boats, decks, and beach chairs.

In summary, shellac is a beautiful finish that adds a warm amber tone to wood, but it is not as durable as varnish. Varnish is a better choice for surfaces that require more protection from heat, chemicals, and water damage.

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