What is the shelf life of shellac?
Shellac flakes have a finite shelf life unknown to most users. Even if Shellac flakes are stored in a cool, dark and dry place, but older than 3 years, it will not dissolve in alcohol overnight when compared to fresh stock. When applied, it will be sticky and slow drying. If used for French polishing, more than the usual amount of oil will be required for lubrication. Once dissolved in alcohol, shellac does not last more than 6 months at the most. Store mixture in a cool dark and dry area of your workshop. The ideal temperature is between 65-70 degrees F. Always dissolve shellac as and when needed. Here is some data collected by testing flakes from Shellacfinishes and a major brand. The testing was done by Matt Ebner. Superblonde shellac —- Saturday, Dec 13, 4:30 PM: Weighed out 56.9 grams (2.0 ounces) Superblonde shellac. Placed flakes into a quart small-mouth canning jar with a rubber-seal lid. Added 8 fluid ounces (1 cup) of denatured anhydrous ethanol (volume measured with kitche
