Thread: Ozuku JNat: problem using shellac

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Nice in depth answer Rubicon

The Japanese use Urushi Toxicodendron vernicifluum - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not a very user friendly goop but safe when dry & super durable.

Thanks alot for that info. Without knowing anything about it beyond that wikipedia article, it strikes me as "rubber-ish", and as it wants to cure in a humid environment and makes a waterproof seal, it seems perfect for hones.

The cashew info is interesting as well. I wonder what other uses these materials have. I do know Cashew plants are very versatile, and the juice of the fruit is milky and sticky, but I didn't know it makes a sealer as well.

As any kind of "wet" application is the last thing I'd think of for shellac, both of these seem better materials. I personally have pushed the boundaries of shellac so I think it's useful for stones, as long as they get wiped down afterwards and aren't subject to a prolonged soaking. It has the additional benefit of being natural, inert, and long-lasting (not to mention easily available). It does give a superb seal and as more can be re-applied at any time (fusing to the old layers), maintenance is simple.

Plus, it's easy enough to remove with a good alcohol scrubbing.

Regarding availability, perhaps the raw/dried urushi/cashew material can be procured in Japan and then mixed with the proper solvent by the user. Shellac, for example, is available in flakes (which can be shipped anywhere) and then mixed by the user according to preference. If cashew and even urushi works the same way then we'd have something new to experiment with!