[ Ref. Paul Manganaro "How Shellac is Made" in 110506 MMDigest ]

That was a fascinating video, Paul.  People continue to confuse
shellac and varnish on old finishes.  Shellac is certainly the most
durable antique finish.  Many organs and organettes coated with
shellac retain an excellent appearance.  Varnish, I assume, was
cheaper to use.

Contrary to popular opinion, shellac does not self-destruct when
wet as long as you wipe it off.  It is also easily repaired, as
even century-old shellac is soluble in alcohol and readily accepts
additional thin coats.

I have a little "Mr. Coffee" coffee bean grinder I use to pulverize
shellac flakes so they dissolve in the alcohol more quickly.

Phil Jamison
West Chester, Pennsylvania