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Finding a quality wood finish is crucial to any woodworking project. Regardless matter whether you are a hobbyist or a professional woodworker, you will eventually need to select an appropriate finish to either protect your wood or enhance its appearance.
The most often used wood treatments include polyurethane and shellac. Hence, you might be curious to see how the two stack up.
In order to make it simpler for you to decide which product would be best for your next project, this article compares polyurethane and shellac side by side.
| Image | Product Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shellac | Check Price | |
 | Polyurethane | Check Price |
What is Shellac?
Shellac is a type of wood finish formed from resins that female lac bugs deposit on specific types of trees. A commercially viable version of shellac is produced by processing and dissolving dried product flakes in a solvent, such as alcohol. This shellac is used as a wood finish.
Shellac has a rapid drying natural state and may be used to seal or polish wood. Since shellac dries quickly, you may use it on wood to finish tasks in one day by applying many layers.
Benefits and downsides of shellac
The advantages and disadvantages of shellac are similar to those of any other wood treatment.
Pros
- The product gives off a warm amber tone that helps bring out the inherent beauty and texture of the wood.
- It is available with a high-gloss finish.
- keeps its color for a long time.
- Quick drying shellac
Cons
- Shellac may be removed off the surface of wood with water and alcohol since it is not as resilient as polyurethane or varnish.
- The substance has a very short shelf life; after combining it with alcohol, it must be utilized within six weeks.
What is Polyurethane?
A synthetic resin that comes in liquid form and has variable thicknesses depending on the product is polyurethane wood finish. It may be applied to wood or other surfaces and dries to produce a durable layer in both water-based and oil-based versions.
The product works well on a variety of surfaces, including cabinets, furniture, floors, doors, worktops, windows, etc., thanks to its strength.
Polyurethane’s benefits and drawbacks
Polyurethane offers advantages and disadvantages similar to shellac. This section examines both perspectives.
Pros
- Polyurethanes with a water or oil basis are equally resilient and long-lasting.
- protects surfaces from abrasion, water, and moisture damage by forming a durable coating.
- Polyurethane is perfect for kitchen applications like furniture because of its improved resilience to heat and chemicals.
- Clear variants of poly are available, which aid in preserving the natural color of wood.
Cons
- Compared to shellac, polyurethane might take longer to cure.
- Due of UV exposure, some polyurethane kinds age amber over time.
Comparing Polyurethane with Shellac
For a clearer comparison, here is a thorough look at both goods.
Common applications of polyurethane vs. shellac
Many cosmetic, food coating, and dental applications exist for shellac. In this instance, we concentrate on its application as a common wood finish.
The item works well as a wood stain, glossy varnish, or wood primer or sealer. As a wood sealer or primer, it excels in blocking tannins.
While less resilient than other varnishes like polyurethane, shellac is frequently used as a protective coating on fine furniture and other wooden products.
On the other side, polyurethane is applied as a protective coating to a variety of indoor and outdoor wooden surfaces, including furniture, floors, trim, counters, cabinets, and decks.
Nevertheless, water-based polyurethanes are frequently utilized indoors, whilst oil-based variants are more frequently employed outdoors.
Colors: Shellac or Polyurethane
Naturally, shellac comes in a range of warm hues. Medium brown, yellow, blonde, gold, amber, and orange are some of the typical shellac hues.
Polyurethane, on the other hand, lacks a definite natural hue. The substance often comes in clear form, however because of the solvents in oil-based variants, wood may take on an amber hue.
Most polyurethane coatings on wood surfaces have the potential to fade over time from sun exposure. For polyurethanes made from oil or solvents, this discoloration is more typical.
Shellac vs. Polyurethane: Sheen levels
In most cases, shellac produces a high-gloss or semi-gloss shine with a lovely hue.
Polyurethane surfaces, on the other hand, come in a range of sheen finishes, including glossy, mid-gloss, satin, and matte. With polyurethane, you may select the gloss level that best satisfies the objectives of your project.
Application ease between polyurethane and shellac
Regarding application techniques, shellac and polyurethane both provide a variety of choices. When using shellac, for instance, you can use a paintbrush, spray can, or lint-free cloth to apply it to your piece.
About a half-hour or an hour, the surface ought to be dry and prepared for a second coat. To make a surface that is uniform and smooth, make sure to scuff sand between applications of shellac.
You can also use a cloth, paintbrush, foam brush, or sprayer to apply polyurethane. For the greatest results, sand the surface before applying polyurethane, just like you would with shellac.
To work with polyurethane that is oil-based, use a brush with natural bristles; when working with polyurethane that is water-based, use a brush with synthetic bristles.
Usually, three coats of polyurethane or shellac are needed to get the appropriate coverage. For the majority of items, you must also deal with the wood grain.
Shellac versus Polyurethane: drying times
Shellac needs 30 to 60 minutes to dry completely before it can be reapplied. With a drying period so short, you could finish three coats in less than six hours.
Whether the polyurethane product is oil- or water-based will affect how long it takes to dry.
Shellac dries more slowly than water-based poly, although it still dries very rapidly. Contrarily, polyurethanes made with oil or a solvent have a tendency to dry more slowly.
Water-based polyurethane often dries entirely in two hours, allowing you to recoat in three to four hours.
Oil-based poly, on the other hand, goes through a chemical reaction during curing and will take up to 24 hours to completely dry. As a result, an oil-based poly project may take several days to complete.
Last Thoughts on Polyurethane vs. Shellac
It may be difficult to choose the right wood finish for any interior or exterior project, especially with the wide range of alternatives on the market. You will thus frequently need to conduct some research to pick out what is less appropriate for your purposes.
Fortunately, we are experts in researching, therefore we are pleased to put together this sort of manual to make your life simpler. We hope that this thorough comparison will assist you in selecting the ideal finish for your upcoming woodworking project.