Wood Finish Repair: How to Remove Shellac

Repairing a worn wood surface is a great way to breathe new life into an old piece. Unfortunately, removing the old finish isn’t always easy. For older wood surfaces, the finish is likely either shellac or lacquer. Whether you are repairing a piece to sell or to enjoy for years to come, here are a few ways to remove shellac finishes.

Determine the Finish

The first step in repairing an old wood surface is to find out the type of finish originally applied. You can accomplish this by using some denatured alcohol and an old rag. If the wood was finished before the ‘20s, there is a strong chance it could be either shellac or lacquer. Fortunately, denatured alcohol dissolves shellac, but not lacquer. Simply dab the surface with some denatured alcohol. If it gets sticky, then you’re dealing with shellac. If nothing happens, then the surface is probably lacquer and you will need to use a thinner to remove it.

Removing Shellac With Solvents

You can remove shellac with a variety of solvents, including denatured alcohol. While this method is messy to clean up, it is the least labor-intensive. Simply moisten a rag with denatured alcohol and rub it into the surface in a circular motion. The alcohol will eventually soften the finish until it becomes sticky. Once it starts to separate from the wood you can begin to wipe the finish away with another rag. If you have trouble removing the shellac, use a dull scraper, especially in corners or hard-to-reach places. You should progress in small sections and give the alcohol plenty of time to work its magic.

Sanding Shellac

You can remove shellac (and most finishes, for that matter) via sanding. You can do the sanding by hand or with a power tool—just make sure all the old finish is completely removed before applying the new finish. Start with a lower grit sand paper, such as 150 grit, and work your way up to 220 grit. Remove any dust particles with a tack cloth and make sure to work in a well-ventilated area. After the sanding is complete, clean the surface of the wood with a damp cloth and allow the area to dry before moving on.

Removing Shellac With Chemicals

Removing shellac with a chemical stripper is an effective method that will not damage the wood. The downside to chemical strippers is their health hazards. These types of chemicals can damage your lungs, eyes, and skin, and are not healthy for the environment. With that in mind, chemical strippers should be used as a last resort and be handled with extreme care. Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area and wearing appropriate safety gear. You may even need to use fine steel wool to help remove the finish. Scrub in the direction of the grain and wipe away with a clean cloth.

Wood Care

It doesn’t take much to damage the wood surface, especially if the wood is antique. Taking a few extra precautions when removing the shellac will prevent any unwanted damage. Always begin the removal process with the least abrasive method (denatured alcohol) and only move to another option if it doesn’t work. Using ultra-fine steel wool is preferable to sandpaper, which should only be used for the most stubborn of places. Finally, be extra patient throughout the removal process and give your materials enough time to work before moving forward.

Safety First

There are a number of safety concerns when removing shellac from a wood surface. Denatured alcohol is very flammable and can be harsh on the skin. It also releases a bountiful amount of noxious chemicals into the air. If possible, strip the old finish outdoors. If you have to work inside, open as many windows as you can and turn on a few fans to circulate the air. Always wear rubber gloves when removing the finish and dispose of the dirty rags in an airtight container.