Shellac
Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, primarily found in South Asia. It is processed into flakes or powder form and dissolved in alcohol to create a versatile film-forming agent. Shellac provides excellent adhesion, gloss, and moisture resistance, making it widely used as a wood finish, food glaze, and pharmaceutical coating. It is valued for its natural origin, biodegradability, and safe use in food and cosmetic applications.
Shellac
Primary Uses
- Wood Finishing and Furniture
- Applied as a protective and decorative finish on wood surfaces, providing high gloss and color enhancement.
- Used as a sealer and primer under varnishes and paints to improve adhesion and durability.
- Popular in antique restoration and fine woodworking for its traditional aesthetic qualities.
- Food Industry
- Used as a glazing agent/coating for confectionery, fruits, nuts, and pharmaceutical pills to provide shine and moisture barrier.
- Acts as a natural preservative by sealing food surfaces against moisture and contaminants.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Employed as a coating for tablets and pills to control release and improve appearance.
- Used in lozenges and candies as a protective film.
Secondary Uses
- Cosmetics
- Used in lipsticks, nail polishes, and other personal care products for glossy finishes and film formation.
- Printing and Packaging
- Applied as a varnish or coating for paper, cardboard, and packaging materials to improve surface quality and protection.
- Art Supplies
- Utilized in traditional varnishes for paintings and art restoration.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Natural resin (polyesters of aleuritic acid and other fatty acids)
- Common/Trade Name: Shellac
- CAS Number: 9000-59-3
- HS Code: 1301.90
- Synonyms: Lac resin, natural resin
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Flakes, powder, or dissolved in alcohol as liquid shellac
- Color & Odor: Amber to deep reddish-brown; characteristic mild resinous odor
- Solubility: Soluble in ethanol and other alcohols; insoluble in water
- Density: Approx. 1.2 g/cm³ (solid flakes)
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally considered low hazard; flammable in alcohol solution
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe for food use
- Exposure Limits: Follow standard occupational safety guidelines
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from ignition sources and direct sunlight
- Container Type: Supplied in sealed bags, drums, or bottles (for liquid shellac)
- Shelf Life: 2 years when stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhaling dust or vapors
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with food-grade standards including FDA and FCC for use as food glaze/coating.
- Meets cosmetic ingredient regulations in various regions (e.g., EU Cosmetics Regulation).
- Manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical applications.
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable and environmentally friendly due to natural origin.
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact when disposed properly.
- Bioaccumulation: Not significant.
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Gloves and goggles recommended during handling of flakes and solutions.
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid ignition sources when working with alcohol-based solutions.
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly sealed and stored away from heat and flames.
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if inhaled; seek medical attention if irritation occurs.
- Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water if irritation develops.
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water; seek medical attention if irritation persists.
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs.
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Flammable when dissolved in alcohol; solid flakes are combustible.
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical, CO₂, or water spray for fires involving shellac or alcohol solutions.
- Special Precautions: Wear protective equipment and self-contained breathing apparatus if needed.
- Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides, aldehydes, and other organic combustion products.
Related products
Hycryl
Hycryl is a specialized acrylic copolymer resin designed primarily for industrial and cosmetic applications. It appears as a white to off-white powder or granules with excellent film-forming, adhesive, and thickening properties. Known for its compatibility with a wide range of solvents and plasticizers, Hycryl 77 provides excellent clarity, flexibility, and durability in coatings, adhesives, and personal care formulations. Its balanced molecular weight and functional groups enable it to deliver strong binding and aesthetic properties in both aqueous and solvent-based systems.
Lacitex
Lacitex is a high-quality natural latex concentrate derived from Hevea brasiliensis (rubber tree) latex. It is a milky, white colloidal suspension primarily used in the manufacture of latex-based products such as gloves, adhesives, coatings, and foam rubber. Lacitex offers excellent film-forming properties, elasticity, and tensile strength. It provides superior binding, water resistance, and flexibility in finished products, making it widely valued in various industrial and manufacturing applications.
Latex
Latex is a natural or synthetic colloidal dispersion of polymer microparticles in an aqueous medium. Natural latex is harvested from rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) and appears as a milky fluid rich in rubber particles suspended in water. Synthetic latexes are produced from various monomers such as styrene-butadiene or acrylics. Latex exhibits excellent elasticity, flexibility, and adhesive properties. It is widely used in manufacturing gloves, balloons, coatings, adhesives, paints, and various molded products. Its film-forming ability, water resistance, and durability make it a versatile material across industries.
Linseed Oil
Linseed Oil, also known as flaxseed oil, is derived from the seeds of the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum). It is a pale yellow to amber oil with a mild, nutty aroma. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, Linseed Oil is widely used in cosmetics, personal care, industrial applications, and traditional medicine. It is valued for its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and skin conditioning properties, as well as its drying qualities in paints and varnishes.
Long Oil
Long Oil refers to oils with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic and linolenic acids, commonly derived from drying oils such as linseed, soybean, or safflower oil. These oils have extended drying times and are used in various industrial applications where slow curing and flexible film formation are desired. Long oil is a key component in producing long oil alkyd resins, which are widely used in coatings, paints, varnishes, and printing inks due to their excellent adhesion, flexibility, and durability.
Setamine ( Melamine Resin)
Setamine (Melamine Resin) is a thermosetting polymer widely used for its excellent hardness, chemical resistance, and thermal stability. It is produced by the reaction of melamine with formaldehyde and is commonly utilized in coatings, laminates, adhesives, and molding compounds. Setamine offers superior durability, scratch resistance, and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-performance surface finishes and industrial applications.
Short Oil Fast Drying (16/50) (SDA)
Short Oil Fast Drying (16/50) (SDA) Stand & Detail Alkyd (SDA) is a specially formulated alkyd resin designed for rapid drying and excellent film formation in coatings. It contains approximately 16% oil length, offering a balance between hardness and flexibility, and 50% solids content, which aids in build and coverage. This resin is widely used in industrial and decorative paints where quick drying and good adhesion are critical. Its fast curing properties make it ideal for applications requiring reduced downtime and enhanced productivity.
Styrene Acrylic
Styrene Acrylic is a copolymer emulsion combining styrene and acrylic monomers, widely used as a versatile binder in coatings, adhesives, and construction materials. It offers excellent film-forming properties, adhesion, water resistance, and durability. This product enhances the performance and longevity of paints, sealants, textiles, and paper coatings, with flexibility for both indoor and outdoor applications. Styrene Acrylic emulsions are designed to meet stringent industrial and environmental standards.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders