How to Repair a Scratch in Shellac

Make your mixture of shellac by mixing shellac flakes with alcohol. Put 2 oz. of shellac flakes into an airtight jar and add 8 oz. of alcohol. Put the lid on and leave this mixture to set for 24 to 48 hours. Stir the mixture every six to eight hours during that time.

Place cheesecloth to cover the bottom and sides of a wire mesh basket. Strain the shellac through cheesecloth into another clean airtight jar. This will remove any flakes that did not dissolve.

Add colored shellac or dye to make the repair shellac the same color as the furniture you are repairing. Pour in another 8 oz. of alcohol.

Clean the scratched area with a wood cleaner made for shellac. Allow the surface to dry thoroughly before going on to the next step.

Lightly sand the damaged area with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe the dust or debris with a cloth, making sure the area is dust free.

Apply a thin layer of shellac with a natural bristle brush, going in the direction of the wood grain. Do not over brush, because this will produce bubbles, ruining the smooth finish.

Allow the shellac to dry. The drying time varies, from one to four or more hours, depending on the humidity and temperature of the day.

Sand the area with 220-grit sandpaper. Wipe the area with a cloth to remove any dust or debris.

Repeat Steps 6 through 8 until you are satisfied with the way it looks.

Rub the area with 0000 steel wool dipped in a mixture of paste wax and mineral spirits. Mix paste wax with a mineral spirits until the mixture resembles a thick gravy. Dip the steel wool in the wax mixture and apply, making sure to go with the wood grain.

Wipe off the excess mixture and leave your wood piece alone to dry for 24 hours.

Apply paste wax full strength and allow this to dry or haze over. Buff the area with a soft cotton cloth.