Replies

1. 
   BG | Jan 19, 2004 06:31pm | #1

   Tonyd,

   I've heard mixed reports on the shelf life of Shellac flakes.  Most commonly I've heard storing them in a cool dark place, sealed in plastic bag they are good forever almost.  However, some have come on here saying there having problems with shellac after a year on the shelf.... When mixed, it won't dry...

   I use in small quantities and keep it sealed up good...
2. 
   jvs | Jan 19, 2004 10:09pm | #2

   Sealed in the plastic bag should be good for at least a year, but for two or three months, storing them in alcohol will work fine, and make it easier to use, too. :) As BG said, I mix no more than I will go through in a couple of months and store it the same way.

   /jvs

3. 
   scooter1 | Jan 19, 2004 10:44pm | #3

   I store them in a plactic screw up container or coffee can. The best tip on shellac I heard this year was using a coffee grinder to grind them up before mixing. Gosh, that works great.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

1. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 19, 2004 11:46pm | #4

   I've had trouble with mine disolving from the git go.  Got a couple pounds of super blond dewaxed flakes about a year ago.  They have been stored in the original (sealed) plastic bags that are kept inside of a plastic tub with a sealing lid.  The tub is kept inside of a closed cabinet.

   Right now I'm trying to disolve 3 heaping tablespoons of flakes in 1 qt of denatured alcohol.  About half have yet to disolve and they been there for about a month.   Every few days I give the jar a good shake.  When i strain the mixture those that haven't disolved are the consistency of rubbery jello.

   I bought these from a web site whose link I got here.  Don't remember who it was.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)PlaneWood

1. 
   scooter1 | Jan 19, 2004 11:55pm | #5

   Mike if you grind them up they will dissolve faster. I borrowed a mortar and pestel then switched to a coffee grinder (dedicated) to grind the stuff down to a coarse powder. Dissolves in about a day. Try it, it really works.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934