Lemon Shellac by L'Artisan Pastellier

Artisan Pastellier's lemon shellac is a natural gum, as it is derived from a parasitic insect (the Kerria lacca scale insect). Shellac is the secretion that protects the insect's eggs. Since shellac is natural, it is therefore not vegan.

L'Artisan Pastellier's Lemon Shellac is purified, though it does contain a small amount of waxy substances. It has an amber color. If you wish to work with a completely colorless product, you can bleach and dewax the Artisan Pastellier Lemon Shellac; in this case, you will obtain what is known as “bleached and dewaxed Lemon Shellac” from the Artisan Pastellier.

Uses: L'Artisan Pastellier's Lemon Shellac is used for varnishes in cabinetmaking, instrument making, and restoration. Whether applied with a pad or a wick, L’Artisan Pastellier’s Lemon Shellac serves as a wood sealer; in this case, a concentrated solution (thick varnish) is applied to knots or wounds in trees to prevent sap or resin from rising. Artisan Pastellier’s Lemon Shellac is used in the lacquering of Japanese fountain pens; Japanese artisans who have specialized in lacquerwork since time immemorial now craft fountain pens (our Callifolio inks are sold in Japan) that are true works of art; by varying the number of lacquer layers and the lacquer’s transparency, they achieve fascinating depths and patterns (up to 20 to 30 layers of lacquer). Photo from Wikipedia: Japanese lacquer and Namiki Shellac was used in the manufacture of pigment-based Chinese inks (e.g., carbon black for black Chinese ink) and so-called “Indian-style” inks based on dyes. Lemon shellac from L’Artisan Pastellier, in the form of a “fine” varnish, is used as a wood pore filler in successive layers; it has the property of sealing the wood’s pores and restoring its hardness (holes in the wood caused by wood-boring insects such as woodworms). Artisan Pastellier’s Lemon Shellac, in the form of a “fine” varnish, can be used as a wood waterproofing agent, particularly to prevent tannin bleed before applying a water-based paint to tannin-rich woods (oak, chestnut, etc.).

Lemon shellac from L'Artisan Pastellier was used as hair lacquer (in the past). Lemon shellac from L'Artisan Pastellier is used to protect fruit after harvesting and washing. (Additive E904).

Other uses in the fine arts: L'Artisan Pastellier's Lemon Shellac, when used as a solution, is an excellent fixative for dry pastels and oil pastels. L'Artisan Pastellier's Lemon Shellac can also be used as a permanent adhesive. ...

Mixing Ratios: The weight-based mixing ratio (by weighing) should be adjusted to suit your medium or the technique you plan to use; it is advisable to conduct tests to determine the appropriate ratios. L'Artisan Pastellier's Lemon Shellac is completely soluble in alcohols (methyl alcohol [methanol] or ethyl alcohol [ethanol], etc.) and insoluble in water.

Preparation of a solution in alcohol: stamp varnish: For 1 liter of denatured alcohol For 100 ml (80 g) of denatured alcohol 150 to 170 g of “fine” lemon shellac varnish 15 to 17 g of “fine” lemon shellac varnish 190 to 210 g of “medium” lemon shellac varnish ” 19 to 21 g of “medium” lemon shellac varnish 250 to 300 g of “thick” lemon shellac varnish " 25 to 30 g of "thick" lemon shellac varnish 1 clean glass container—such as a large jar, like a jam jar, with an airtight lid—will do. Pour the lemon shellac flakes into the bottom of the jar, pour the denatured alcohol over them, close the lid to avoid inhaling alcohol vapors, and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours, shaking the jar from time to time. It’s ready.

Be careful not to work near any open flames that could ignite alcohol vapors. Also, make sure to work in a well-ventilated area to minimize exposure to alcohol vapors. As always, it’s best not to prepare too much; instead, prepare only as much as you need.