Shellac: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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.