Shellac vs. Varnish — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Shellac is a natural resin used as a finish for wood, providing a glossy sheen and warm tone, while varnish is a synthetic or natural resin offering durable, protective finishes with varying gloss levels.
Difference Between Shellac and Varnish
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Shellac is derived from lac beetle secretions, dissolved in alcohol, and used as a wood finish that imparts a warm, amber hue. Varnish, however, can be natural or synthetic, typically made from resins, oils, and solvents, providing a range of finishes from glossy to matte.
Shellac dries quickly and can be easily repaired by reapplying or dissolving the existing coat with alcohol. In contrast, varnish takes longer to dry but is more resistant to water, heat, and chemicals, making it ideal for surfaces exposed to harsh conditions.
Shellac is preferred for its ease of application and ability to enhance wood grain, whereas varnish is favored for its durability and protective qualities. Shellac can be used as a sealer or a standalone finish, while varnish is often applied in multiple layers for added protection and depth.
Shellac is more sensitive to heat and moisture, making it less suitable for high-wear surfaces. Varnish, on the other hand, provides a tougher, more resilient finish that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a better choice for furniture and floors.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Natural resin from lac beetles
Natural or synthetic resins
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Drying Time
Quick
Slow
Repairability
Easy, re-dissolves with alcohol
Difficult, requires sanding and reapplication
Durability
Less durable, sensitive to heat/moisture
More durable, resistant to elements
Application
Enhances wood grain, warm amber tone
Multiple layers for added protection
Compare with Definitions
Shellac
A quick-drying wood finish dissolved in alcohol.
Shellac is ideal for projects that need a fast turnaround.
Varnish
A blend of resins, oils, and solvents.
Varnish provides a hard, protective surface on outdoor furniture.
Shellac
A product made from lac beetle secretions.
Shellac provides a traditional, warm look to wooden furniture.
Varnish
A protective finish for wood or other materials.
The wooden deck was coated with varnish to protect it from the elements.
Shellac
A versatile sealer and finish for wood.
Shellac is used as both a sealer and a topcoat on many woodworking projects.
Varnish
A finish available in various gloss levels.
The kitchen cabinets were given a matte varnish for a modern look.
Shellac
A natural resin used as a wood finish.
The antique table was coated with shellac to give it a rich, glossy finish.
Varnish
Varnish is a clear transparent hard protective coating or film. It is not a stain.
Shellac
Shellac () is a resin secreted by the female lac bug on trees in the forests of India and Thailand. It is processed and sold as dry flakes and dissolved in alcohol to make liquid shellac, which is used as a brush-on colorant, food glaze and wood finish.
Varnish
Resin dissolved in a liquid for applying on wood, metal, or other materials to form a hard, clear, shiny surface when dry
The wood was stained with a dark varnish
Several coats of varnish
Shellac
A purified lac in the form of thin yellow or orange flakes, often bleached white and widely used in varnishes, paints, inks, sealants, and formerly in phonograph records.
Varnish
Apply varnish to
We stripped the floor and varnished it
Her toenails were varnished red
Shellac
A thin varnish made by dissolving this substance in denatured alcohol, used to finish wood.
Varnish
A liquid that contains a solvent and an oxidizing or evaporating binder and is applied to a surface to produce a hard, transparent finish after evaporation and curing.
Shellac
An old phonograph record containing this substance, typically played at 78 rpm.
Varnish
The smooth coating or gloss resulting from the application of this liquid
Wear dulled the floor's varnish.
Shellac
To coat or finish with shellac.
Varnish
Something suggestive of or resembling varnish.
Shellac
To strike repeatedly and severely; batter.
Varnish
An often deceptive external appearance or outward show
"people through whom a native stupidity shines forth past any varnish of education or acculturation" (Ira Sher).
Shellac
To defeat decisively.
Varnish
To cover with varnish.
Shellac
A processed secretion of the lac insect, Coccus lacca; used in polishes, varnishes etc.
Varnish
To give a smooth and glossy finish to.
Shellac
A beating; a thrashing.
Varnish
To give a superficial or deceptive appearance to
Varnish the truth.
Shellac
(transitive) To coat with shellac.
Varnish
A type of paint with a solvent that evaporates to leave a hard, transparent, glossy film.
Shellac
To beat; to thrash.
Varnish
Anything resembling such a paint; glossy appearance.
Shellac
To inflict a heavy defeat upon.
Varnish
(by extension) A deceptively showy appearance.
Shellac
Lac which has been reduced to a thin crust. See the Note under 2d Lac.
Varnish
A passenger train, probably derived from the varnished passenger cars used at one time.
Shellac
A solution of shellac{1} in alcohol or other volatile solvent, used as a varnish.
Varnish
(intransitive) To apply varnish.
Shellac
A phonograph record, made of a material containing shellac; - no longer manufactured.
Varnish
(transitive) To cover up with varnish.
Shellac
Lac purified by heating and filtering; usually in thin orange or yellow flakes but sometimes bleached white
Varnish
(transitive) To make something superficially or deceptively attractive
Varnish the report
Shellac
A thin varnish made by dissolving lac in ethanol; used to finish wood
Varnish
(transitive) To gloss over a defect.
Shellac
Cover with shellac;
She wanted to shellac the desk to protect it from water spots
Varnish
A viscid liquid, consisting of a solution of resinous matter in an oil or a volatile liquid, laid on work with a brush, or otherwise. When applied the varnish soon dries, either by evaporation or chemical action, and the resinous part forms thus a smooth, hard surface, with a beautiful gloss, capable of resisting, to a greater or less degree, the influences of air and moisture.
Shellac
A finish that can be easily repaired by reapplication.
Minor scratches on shellac can be fixed by rubbing with an alcohol-soaked cloth.
Varnish
That which resembles varnish, either naturally or artificially; a glossy appearance.
The varnish of the holly and ivy.
Varnish
An artificial covering to give a fair appearance to any act or conduct; outside show; gloss.
And set a double varnish on the fameThe Frenchman gave you.
Varnish
To lay varnish on; to cover with a liquid which produces, when dry, a hard, glossy surface; as, to varnish a table; to varnish a painting.
Varnish
To cover or conceal with something that gives a fair appearance; to give a fair coloring to by words; to gloss over; to palliate; as, to varnish guilt.
Close ambition, varnished o'er with zeal.
Cato's voice was ne'er employedTo clear the guilty and to varnish crimes.
Varnish
Paint that provides a hard glossy transparent coating
Varnish
Cover with varnish
Varnish
A durable coating resistant to heat, water, and chemicals.
Varnish is preferred for high-traffic areas like floors.
Varnish
A finish that requires longer drying times between coats.
Each layer of varnish needs to dry completely before applying the next one.
Common Curiosities
What is shellac made from?
Shellac is made from the secretions of lac beetles dissolved in alcohol.
Is varnish more durable than shellac?
Yes, varnish is more durable and resistant to water, heat, and chemicals.
Is varnish synthetic or natural?
Varnish can be either synthetic or natural, made from resins, oils, and solvents.
Which finish dries faster, shellac or varnish?
Shellac dries faster than varnish.
Can shellac be repaired easily?
Yes, shellac can be easily repaired by re-dissolving with alcohol.
Can shellac be used as a sealer?
Yes, shellac can be used as a sealer.
Which finish enhances the wood grain more, shellac or varnish?
Shellac enhances the wood grain more prominently.
Is shellac suitable for outdoor use?
Shellac is not recommended for outdoor use due to its sensitivity to heat and moisture.
How many layers of varnish are typically applied?
Multiple layers of varnish are typically applied for added protection.
Which finish is better for high-traffic areas?
Varnish is better suited for high-traffic areas due to its durability.
Does varnish come in different gloss levels?
Yes, varnish is available in gloss, semi-gloss, and matte finishes.
Does shellac require sanding between coats?
No, shellac does not typically require sanding between coats.
Can varnish be applied over shellac?
Yes, varnish can be applied over shellac for added protection.
Is varnish heat-resistant?
Yes, varnish is generally heat-resistant.
Can shellac be tinted?
Yes, shellac can be tinted to achieve different colors.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
