Capital City Carvers

The Source of Shellac, National Carvers Review, Fall 1979

Perhaps it is not generally known that we are indebted to insects for the shellac that we use as a wood preservative. Every pound produced represents the work of about 150,000 insects.

The name of this little insect is Kerria lacca, also known as Laccifer lacca. Originally these mites were the source of red dye, but the ingenuity of man finally developed a synthetic dye comparable to their product, and so these insects went out of business as far as dye was concerned. But these insects go on working for humanity. They are natives of India. For protection they wear an over garment of their own making, and when they discard these, they are gathered, and man has shellac in the raw state.

For a protective coating these insects secrete a material known as lac, and when treated the same material is called shellac. The bugs are very minute. They swarm shortly after hatching, reach certain trees where they bore through the bark to reach the sap, and secrete lac gum. This hardens and soon envelopes them.

After swarming, the natives collect the bugs over garments, which in this state is called stick-lac. All foreign material is removed from the stick-lac; it is then known as seed-lac, which is dried and blended. The mixture is placed in a bag which is slowly rotated in front of an open fire. As the contents heat up, the bag is twisted and the melted gum oozes out. It is then kneaded on a warm, water heated cylinder until it reaches the correct consistency. It is then pulled into thin sheets. When cured, it is broken into pieces resembling shells. This accounts for the name shellac.

Natural shellac is orange in color. White shellac is the result of bleaching. Both are dissolved in alcohol. It is then ready for market. Liquid shellac has a limited shelf life of about one year. Many users purchase the flake form to make the concentration they need for their projects. When buying shellac, be sure to learn how many pounds of lac are "cut" to the gallon of alcohol. Most pre-mixed commercial preparations come at a 3lb cut. Multiple thin layers of shellac produce a significantly better end result than a few thick layers. Shellac is the finish used in producing the French Polish finish on fine furniture. There is a difference between varnish and shellac. An oil varnish dries by oxidation, shellac by evaporation of the alcohol. For certain kinds of work, particularly as a sealing coat, shellac has no peer. As shellac is a surface sealer, it may be applied to wood, especially end grain, to prevent a penetrating stain from distorting the final finish color. As a wood finish, it is non-toxic in its pure form. It is UV-resistant but does not have the durability and water resistance of synthetic finishing products.

The Benefits of Wood Carving for Mental and Physical Health, Steve Jefferson, Woodcarving4u.com

1. Relieve Stress and Anxiety: The repetitive motions and focus required for wood carving can be very calming and meditative. It can help you forget about daily stressors and distractions and provide a sense of relaxation and peace.
2. Improves Fine Motor Skills: Wood carving involves using small and precise movements, which can help improve your fine motor skills. This can be especially beneficial for older individuals experiencing a decline in motor function.
3. Enhances Creativity: Wood carving allows you to express your creativity in a unique and fulfilling way. Whether creating a beautiful piece of artwork or a functional item, wood carving will enable you to let your imagination run wild.
[continued]