traditional French polish materials

Beyond the Varnish: The Role of Shellac in Felt Hat Stiffening and Textile Sizing

shellac /

When you think of shellac, you probably think of shiny wood floors, French-polished antique furniture, or perhaps even the glossy coating on your favorite candies. You probably don’t think of the hat sitting on your head. Yet, for centuries, the millinery (hat-making) industry has been one of the most important, consistent, and demanding consumers of

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From Sticklac to Seedlac: Understanding the Raw Material Supply Chain and QualityControl

Sticklac to Seedlac /

Every single finished shellac product, from the glistening glaze on a jelly bean to the French polish on a priceless antique table, starts its journey in the exact same place: on the branch of a tree in the forests of India or Thailand. Understanding this journey from the raw, natural source to the processed industrial

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Understanding Shellac Grades and Colours: From Super Blonde to Garnet to Button

Shellac colour chart /

One of the most confusing aspects of buying shellac, whether you are a professional woodworker looking for the perfect finish or an industrial buyer sourcing raw materials, is the bewildering array of names, grades, and colours available on the market. From “Platina” and “Super Blonde” to “Lemon,” “Orange,” “Garnet,” and “Button,” the terminology can be

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Button Lac vs. Flake Shellac: Choosing the Right Traditional Material for Antique

Button Lac /

Antique restoration is not about making something look brand new; it is an art form centred on preservation, authenticity, and respect for the piece’s history and original craftsmanship. The ultimate goal is to restore its original beauty and integrity using materials and techniques that are consistent with its era of creation. When it comes to

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