In the world of fibrous plastering, Shellac Sealers are an indispensable tool. Shellac is a resinous solution used to seal the porous surface of a plaster cast or mould.
Because plaster is naturally "thirsty," it will pull moisture out of anything applied to it. Plasterers use shellac to create an impermeable, glassy barrier. This prevents a new layer of wet plaster from bonding to an old one, ensuring a clean release and protecting the fine detail of your master mould.
At Industrial Plasters, we provide a range of sealers to suit every budget and technical requirement:
1. Traditional Brown Shellac Sealer
"The Workshop Workhorse"
Our Traditional Brown Shellac Sealer is specially blended in-house and has been rigorously tested for optimum performance. It is designed to be used "neat" (without dilution) to seal plaster casts before taking moulds from them.
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Best For: General workshop use.
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The Verdict: This is our most economical and cost-effective option, offering very acceptable results for those watching their pennies.
2. Jenkins™ Transparent Shellac Sealer
"The Premium Transparent Option"
Manufactured by the renowned WS Jenkins, this Transparent Shellac Sealer is a high-quality choice for those who need a clearer finish. A standout benefit of this specific blend is its ability to be used on damp plaster while still providing a long-lasting, durable coat.
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Application: For best results, apply three coats neat, allowing each layer to dry.
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The Verdict: A premium transparent option that offers brilliant adhesion and speeds up processing times, made by a market-leading manufacturer.

3. Clear Shellac Sealer (Special Pale French Polish)
"The Specialist Choice"
When the appearance of the original material is paramount, our Clear Shellac Sealer is the answer. This is a colourless, transparent sealer made from the finest quality pale dewaxed shellac. It is essentially a traditional French Polish, making it suitable for the most delicate restoration work where you must retain the original colour of the item being sealed.
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Best For: Delicate work, restoration, and when preserving the original is of upmost importance.
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The Verdict: The ultimate specialist option for high-end or sensitive projects.

4. Jenkins™ Pure Shellac Varnish S007
"The Bench Protector"
While the previous sealers are for the casts, Pure Shellac Varnish is the go-to product for sealing plaster benches for running moulds. It provides a hard-wearing finish that stands up to the constant scraping and sliding involved in running cornices. You can also add your own methylated spirits to reach your chosen strength.
Make Your Own Shellac!
For professionals who prefer total control, we stock high-quality Shellac Flakes and Methylated Spirits.
By dissolving the flakes into the spirits yourself, you can create a custom sealer tailored to your exact requirement based on whether you need a very "thin" wash to penetrate deep into a cast or a "heavy" syrup for a high-gloss finish. This DIY approach allows you to adjust the "cut" of the shellac to suit the temperature and humidity of your specific workshop environment.
In summary, Shellac Flakes for Custom Blending, Methylated Spirits for Dilution

