How to Shellac a Ceiling

Most finicky painters know that a job isn’t complete until the finish is sealed and protected. Varnish is a good choice, but shellac produces a tougher finish and a beautiful, lasting glow. In addition to providing a finish for paint, shellac seals wood superbly and can be used as a primer for plaster, drywall and other dusty, chalky surfaces. For these reasons, shellac is often the product of choice for ceilings. Because shellac dries quickly, you may be able to apply several coats in one afternoon and revel in the luster of your new ceiling by evening.


Cover your floor and furnishings with dropcloths. Open the windows or engage fans to provide ventilation.


Tape off the ceiling at the edge of the wall, using painter’s tape. Alternatively, if you have a sure hand, cut into the ceiling a few inches all the way around with a brush.


Formulate a plan for applying the shellac, either from north to south or east to west, depending on the ceiling. Planning is important because shellac dries very quickly. It will not afford you the opportunity to smooth out any imperfections like most paints and varnish.


Pour the shellac into a paint tray, then dip the roller into the tray. Saturate the roller but ensure that it doesn’t drip.


Apply the shellac in a steady motion and keep a wet edge, just like you would if you were applying paint.


Let the shellac dry thoroughly before applying a second coat. Read the directions on the can and make any adjustments for your climate and humidity level.


Apply the second coat in the same manner as the first. The second coat of shellac often goes on easier than the first, allowing you to finish the second coat more quickly.


Inspect your work carefully after the second coat dries and cover any missed patches of ceiling with a brush, not a roller.