How to Store Shellac Flakes
Store dry shellac flakes in a sealed container, in a cool, dark, dry place, away from heat and direct sun. Kept that way, flakes last for years. Dewaxed flakes can fuse into a solid block in warm weather; that is a normal property of the grade, and a blocked flake dissolves exactly the same.
Storing dry flakes
- Sealed container. A glass jar or a food-grade plastic container with a tight lid. For a large quantity, keep the flake in its original bag inside the container.
- Cool and dark. A closet, cabinet, or shelf away from the heater, the stove, and the window. Attics and summer garages run warm.
- Dry. Close the container when you're done weighing out; flake left open in a damp shop takes on moisture.
- Labeled. Grade and purchase date on the container. Grades look alike in the bag.
- The refrigerator is fine. A sealed, dry container of flake keeps well in the fridge; some of the best finishers we know have always kept it there. Let the container come to room temperature before you open it, so moisture doesn't condense on the cold flake.
Shelf life by type
| Type | Kept sealed, cool, and dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wax-in flakes (Lemon #1, Black) and button lac | Years | The classic forms of shellac, and the longest-keeping. |
| Dewaxed flakes (Platina, Super Blonde, Blonde, Amber, Garnet) | Years | Can block in warm weather. See below. |
| Mixed shellac | Plan on about 6 months; often longer | A different question from dry flake. See How Long Does Mixed Shellac Last? |
Blocking in warm weather
Dewaxed flakes soften in warm conditions and can fuse into a cake or a solid block, especially in summer and in transit. This is a known property of dewaxed shellac from any refinery. It is not a defect, and it does not change the material.
When it happens, dissolve it as-is. Drop the block into the alcohol at the cut you want and give it its 24 to 48 hours; it dissolves the same as loose flake. If you want it in pieces for weighing, break the block with a clean tool. See How to Mix Shellac Flakes.
Storing dewaxed flake in the coolest spot you have reduces how often it blocks. In a hot season it may still happen, and it still doesn't matter.
Storing mixed shellac
- Label the jar with the grade, the cut, the alcohol, and the date. See What Alcohol Do You Mix Shellac With?
- Keep it sealed. Alcohol leaves through a loose lid and the cut drifts upward.
- Mix roughly what you'll use. A fresh jar takes a day to make.
- Test an older jar with a drop on glass before a job you care about.
The drop test
Put a drop of the mix on a clean piece of glass and leave it an hour. Good shellac dries hard and clear. If it is still soft or tacky, the jar has aged out; mix a fresh one. Details in How Long Does Mixed Shellac Last?
FAQ
How long do dry shellac flakes last?
Years, kept sealed, cool, and dry. Wax-in, dewaxed, and button lac all store well.
Why are my dewaxed flakes stuck together?
They softened in warm weather and fused. Normal for dewaxed grades. Dissolve the block as-is, or break it up first; the finish is unaffected.
Should I put shellac flakes in the refrigerator?
You can. A sealed, dry container keeps well in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before opening.
How can I tell if mixed shellac has gone bad?
The drop test on glass. If it dries hard in an hour, it's good.
Does storing mixed shellac in the fridge help?
It slows the aging. Keep it sealed and labeled, and let it warm up before opening.
All the guides are collected at Shellac Guides. Flakes by grade: dewaxed, wax-in, and button lac.