Shellac is a natural resin refined from Lac, the resinous secretion of the tiny scale insect Kerria lacca, which is parasitic on certain host trees in India. Dewaxed Shellac is refined from Seedlac using the Solvent Extraction Process. It is extracted by dissolving the Seedlac in a solvent, usually ethanol. The solution is then filtered through a fine cloth which removes any insoluble matter and most of the naturally occurring wax contained in the Lac. The solution is sometimes further filtered using activated carbon to lighten the colour of the Shellac. The alcohol is recovered by evaporation, while the remaining viscous Shellac is stretched into a thin film using a roller before being broken into flakes once cool.
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