For shellac finish users, good news: Shellac flakes have become more plentiful. Even those familiar with shellac may not know that it starts out as a crusty protective coating secreted on tree ...

My old cottage has bead board in the upstairs bedrooms that has been varnished. It looks very nice, but some of the varnish has bubbled. How can I get rid of that bubbling? A. First, check to see if ...

Dear James: I recently bought an older house. It has beautiful cherry woodwork that needs to be refinished. I have heard about a French-polish finish. Is this a good finish to use and how do I do it? ...

For lacquer finish users, good news: Shellac flakes have become more plentiful. Shellac starts out as a crusty protective coating secreted on tree branches by the tiny lac bug (Laccifer lacca), which ...

Shellac could be making a comeback. It was shoved aside more than 50 years ago in favor of more durable and synthetic wood finishes. But as more consumers are demanding natural products, they’re ...

Wood floors need a sealer to protect new wood when it’s installed, and again years later after resanding. Finishes like shellac, lacquer and linseed oil don’t qualify even though they’re great on ...

Shellac has been a critical material ever since the war cut supplies from India, virtually its sole producer. Shellac has unique properties as a protective finish, and none of its many substitutes has ...