Doug Proper hosted this deep-dive into shellac for us! Doug went over many historical uses and production methods for shellac. We went over differences between shellac, lacquer, and varnish. Doug would go deeper, teaching us the differences between types of shellac, including wax content, processing methods, and color. After that, he went into shellac additives and Q&A. It's a long one, but it's worth every second!
If you're looking for Doug's magic cloths, you can find the here - https://www.homedepot.com/p/12-in-x-13-6-in-Precision-Fiber-Cloth-Paint-and-Cleaning-Rags-50-Count-PFC-00110-50H/300186630
--- We had a lot of great questions and input from the rest of the Ding Kings, particularly Brian Boedigheimer, of Red Wing. Brian dropped a bunch of great books and links for getting even deeper into the mysterious world of shellac. The links are listed below.
Resins and Early Finish Technology - https://www.amazon.com/Pyroxylin-enamels-lacquers-manufacture-application/dp/B0008C4718
Varnish Resins - https://www.amazon.com/Varnish-Constituents-H-W-Chatfield/dp/0249389673
Modifying Shellac with Synthetic Resins - https://shop.kremerpigments.com/us/shop/mediums-binders-glues/solvent-soluble-binders/synthetic-resins/
Flattening Paste for Shellac and Lacquer - https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/products/wood-staining-finishing/reducers-additives/flatting-paste/
Flattening Paste Data Sheet - https://www.mohawk-finishing.com/mhk_cds/product_pds/m716-170%20flatting%20paste.pdf
www.shellac.net/Shellac_ordering_list.html - source for shellac flake (a variety of colors), button lac and such.
www.shellac.net/dewaxed_shellac.html - Dewaxed Shellac Flake is the most commonly used form of shellac for guitar finishes.
www.internationalviolin.com/Shop/varnish-supplies/natural-resins - good supply of natural resins for adding to shellac
www.shellacshack.com/ - another good source of shellac
https://ardec.ca/en/products?category=34 – for our Canadian friends
https://www.woodessence.com/Shellac/Dry-Shellac - also for Canadian folks
https://www.afsuter.com/products/ for our UK mates
https://woodfinishingenterprises.com/ : This is recommended from Hugh Hansen