Make your own homemade Shellac

Commercial brands of this thin varnish have only a 6-week shelf life, so it makes sense to mix up your own when required.

To make ¾ pint/425ml varnish

• 12 tablespoons shellac flakes
• 8 floz/225ml ethyl alcohol or denatured alcohol

Place the shellac flakes in a 1 pint/570ml jar, then pour in the alcohol. Cover the container and leave the shellac to stand for at least 8 hours. Shake every few hours until all the flakes have dissolved. Stir well, and then apply the varnish with a brush. To apply with a rag or spray gun, the mixture will have to be thinned. Add more alcohol until the desired consistency is reached. The shellac will keep for up to 6 weeks if stored in a tightly covered container.

Caution Keep out of children’s reach.