Shellac: meaning, definitions and examples

🪵

Add to dictionary

shellac

[ʃəˈlak ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

wood finishing

Shellac is a natural resin that is secreted by the lac insect, used to make a protective coating for wood. It is dissolved in alcohol to create a solution that can be applied to furniture or other wooden surfaces.

Synonyms

lacquer, resin, varnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shellac	Use in woodworking and musical instruments for a glossy and protective finish. The woodworker applied shellac to the furniture to give it a shiny, polished look The guitar was coated with shellac to enhance its natural beauty
resin	Commonly used in adhesives, plastics, and as a component in composite materials. Also popular in art for casting and coating. The craftsman used resin to bind the materials together The artist created a beautiful sculpture using clear resin
varnish	Suitable for protecting wooden surfaces and furniture with a clear or tinted protective layer. The chair was given a fresh coat of varnish to protect it from spills The wooden floors were treated with varnish to preserve their rich color
lacquer	Ideal for a hard and durable finish on wood and metal, frequently used in crafts and industrial applications. The artist used lacquer to finish her metal sculptures The car's exterior was shining brightly after a new layer of lacquer was applied

Examples of usage

The antique table was restored using shellac to bring out its natural beauty.
The craftsman applied a layer of shellac to protect the wooden chair from moisture.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

cover or treat with shellac

To shellac something means to coat or treat it with shellac, typically for the purpose of protecting or sealing the surface. It is commonly used in woodworking and furniture restoration.

Synonyms

lacquer, seal, varnish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
shellac	Shellac is often used in woodworking and restoration to provide a high-gloss finish on furniture and musical instruments. It is also used as a food glaze and in cosmetics. He applied shellac to the antique table to give it a glossy finish. The confectionery industry uses shellac to give candies a shiny coating.
varnish	Varnish is used mainly for protection and to provide a glossy finish for wooden surfaces. It is commonly employed on floors and furniture. The wooden floor looked stunning after being treated with varnish. Varnish was applied to the outdoor furniture to protect it from the elements.
lacquer	Lacquer is typically used for high-durability finishes on wood and metals. It dries quickly and provides a hard, durable surface. It's often used in automotive and furniture finishes. They used lacquer to give the car a glossy, protective coat. She decided to lacquer the wooden chairs for extra durability.
seal	Seal is a more general term used for any substance that creates a barrier to protect surfaces from moisture, dirt, or other elements. It is often used in construction and maintenance. He used a seal to protect the deck from weather damage. A good seal on the window can keep the cold air out during winter.

Examples of usage

The carpenter decided to shellac the entire cabinet to give it a glossy finish.
She carefully shellacked the wooden frame to ensure its durability.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Hindi 'shilijit' or 'shellac', which refers to a resin from the lac bug found in Southeast Asia.
Originally, shellac was made from the secretions of the lac insect, which hardens into a substance that can be processed.
The term has been used in English since the 17th century, indicating its long history in crafts and finishing.

History

Shellac was widely used in the late 19th century as a finish for furniture and was once popular before modern synthetics took over.
In World War II, shellac was utilized for industrial purposes, including as an electrical insulator.
Before the advent of vinyl, shellac was the primary material used for making phonograph records, giving it an important role in music history.

Science

The lacquer is biodegradable and has antibacterial properties, making it a safer option compared to many synthetic coatings.
Its application in woodworking allows for a strong, protective finish that enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain.
The process of melting and refining shellac involves dissolving it in ethanol to form a liquid that can be applied to surfaces.

Art

Artists have used shellac as a varnish in their paintings, providing a glossy finish and protecting the artwork underneath.
In traditional Indian art, shellac is often used to create intricate decorative items and crafts.
Its role in calligraphy involves providing a smooth writing surface and can be used to seal handmade papers.

Modern Uses

Today, shellac is still used in various products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food as a glazing agent.
In the nail industry, shellac is popular for manicures as it combines the properties of gel and traditional polish for durability.
Eco-friendly furniture finishes frequently utilize shellac rather than synthetic options, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Translations

Translations of the word "shellac" in other languages:

🇵🇹 shellac

🇮🇳 शेलैक

🇩🇪 Shellack

🇮🇩 shellac

🇺🇦 шелак

🇵🇱 shellac

🇯🇵 シェラック

🇫🇷 gomme-laque

🇪🇸 esmalte de goma

🇹🇷 shellac

🇰🇷 쉘락

🇸🇦 شيلك

🇨🇿 shellac

🇸🇰 shellac

🇨🇳 虫胶

🇸🇮 shellac

🇮🇸 shellac

🇰🇿 шеллак

🇬🇪 შელაკი

🇦🇿 shellac

🇲🇽 shellac

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,295, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
22292 cased
22293 bobbed
22294 senescence
22295 shellac
22296 hemispheric
22297 guillotine
22298 purine
...