Q: When I mix shellac from flakes, it makes a clear solution. I bought my first Zinsser shellac in the can and it is not clear. It looks like a suspension of something. Why?
A: In its natural state, shellac contains about 5% wax, and it is that wax that makes the solution cloudy. It sounds to me as if you have been buying dewaxed shellac flakes. Without the wax you get a clear solution. By the way, Zinsser also sells dewaxed shellac, in cans, mixed and ready to use, but they call it Zinsser SealCoat instead of Zinsser Shellac.
Michael Dresdner
straight talk about wood finishing
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