Shellac has historically played a crucial role in multiple industries, thanks to its unique natural properties. While many of its earlier applications have been replaced by synthetic resins, shellac continues to remain relevant in several areas even today.

Industrial Applications

• Grinding Wheels – Shellac is used in the manufacture of grinding wheels because it allows abrasive particles to break off under low heat, continuously exposing fresh abrasive surfaces for efficient grinding.

• Leather Finishing & Painting – When pigmented with titanium dioxide, shellac is widely used as a stain sealer, wallboard primer, and knot and sap sealer on wood. Painters and leather workers continue to rely on its versatility.

Historical Uses

In the past, shellac was extensively used for:

• Electrical Insulation – As a natural insulator in early electrical components.

• Adhesive – A surprisingly strong glue for bonding glass and metal.

• Phonograph Records – The famous “78 RPM records” were made from a mixture of shellac, fillers, and lampblack.

• Personal Care & Polishes – Found in hair sprays, no-rub floor polishes, and even as a durable finish for bowling alleys.

Shift to Synthetic Resins

With the invention of durable synthetic resins such as Bakelite, cellulose nitrate, acrylics, and urethanes, many of shellac’s traditional uses declined. However, despite these alternatives, shellac remains irreplaceable in several modern applications due to its natural, eco-friendly, and versatile nature.

A Natural Wonder

What makes shellac truly fascinating is that, despite countless attempts to recreate it in laboratories, no synthetic version has ever matched the quality of the natural resin produced by the tiny Indian lac bug. Even today, shellac continues to be valued worldwide as a sustainable material with applications that blend tradition and innovation.