In 1907, a chemist tried replacing shellac for cables and searched for a better wire coating, which ended up creating the world’s first synthetic plastic

A chemist named Leo Baekeland sought an alternative to shellac in 1907. His research led to Bakelite, the first synthetic ...
Woodworking Network

Wood Finishing: Shellac Supply Improves

For shellac finish users, good news: Shellac flakes have become more plentiful. Even those familiar with shellac may not know that it starts out as a crusty protective coating secreted on tree ...