JOHA® Shellac Polishes – Traditional Finishing at the Highest Level
Our JOHA® Shellac Polishes are made from high-quality, pure shellac,
dissolved in 99% alcohol (ethanol) – for optimal workability and a noble, warm finish.
The polishes are highly versatile: they can be applied with a brush or – in the tradition of fine wood finishing –
polished with a pad and a bit of polishing oil. This traditional technique requires some practice, but rewards the user with a
particularly deep and brilliant gloss, as appreciated by experienced restorers and instrument makers.
Ideal for high-quality surface finishing in furniture and instrument making, restoration, and fine craftsmanship.
Company Holiday: June 6–20, 2025
Dear customers, We’re taking a short break!
Our business will be closed for vacation from June 6 to June 20, 2025. During this time, there will be no shipping or customer service available. Orders can still be placed as usual – shipping will resume on June 23, 2025.
JOHA® Shellac PolishesTraditional Craftsmanship for Brilliant Finishes
Our JOHA® Shellac Polishes are made from pure, high-quality shellac dissolved in 99% alcohol (ethanol). They are ideal for traditional surface finishing, offering warmth, depth, and a natural gloss.
Depending on the technique, the polish can be applied with a brush or traditionally with a pad and polishing oil in multiple layers. The so-called "French polish" results in a deep, mirror-like finish but requires experience with spirit-based varnishes.
Available in Different Shades
JOHA® Shellac Polishes come in a variety of natural tones – from light colors like "Shellac Sun" to darker shades such as "Shellac Lemon" or "Shellac Garnet". This allows you to match the polish to the wood type and desired appearance – from fresh and bright to rich and antique.
Application Notes
The polish dries quickly, which requires careful, even application when using a brush. The pad method is more demanding but provides particularly fine results.
Recommended for users with experience in spirit varnishing.
Application Areas
String Instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass)
Ideal for finishing and restoring instruments. Especially popular on the neck: shellac protects the wood and can be easily refreshed when worn or soiled, without affecting the playing feel.
Guitars and Plucked Instruments
Traditional finish for classical and flamenco guitars, lutes, mandolins, and more – elegant in appearance, acoustically beneficial, and breathable.
Furniture Restoration
A trusted classic for antique furniture, historical reproductions, and fine woodwork. Easy to retouch and perfect for highlighting wood grain and depth.
Conclusion
JOHA® Shellac Polishes offer a premium finish for quality wood – traditional, natural, versatile, and reversible.
JOHA ® Shellac Polishes. Our shellac polishes are produced of pure shellac, punched in 99% ethyl alcohol. You can either apply it with a brush or polish it according to an old tradition using a cloth with polishing oil. This requires some experience in application.
Previous experience:
Experience with spirit varnish
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it imore difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Shellac Polishes. Our shellac polishes are produced of pure shellac, punched in 99% ethyl alcohol. You can either apply it with a brush or polish it according to an old tradition using a cloth with polishing oil. This requires some experience in application.
Previous experience:
Experience with spirit varnish
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it imore difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Shellac Polishes. Our shellac polishes are produced of pure shellac, punched in 99% ethyl alcohol. You can either apply it with a brush or polish it according to an old tradition using a cloth with polishing oil. This requires some experience in application.
Previous experience:
Experience with spirit varnish
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it imore difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Shellac Polishes. Our shellac polishes are produced of pure shellac, punched in 99% ethyl alcohol. You can either apply it with a brush or polish it according to an old tradition using a cloth with polishing oil. This requires some experience in application.
Previous experience:
Experience with spirit varnish
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it imore difficult to apply.
With high-gloss polishing, any spirit varnish can give paint a highly glossy finish.
Caution: only for experienced painters, otherwise damage can be caused to the paint. It should be applied thinly to the paint very quickly, otherwise it may crack.
Shine can be applied safely if you mix about 20% high gloss polish with our JOHA® gloss and care polish type 8741, thus polishing the instrument or piece of furniture to a shine.
Only mix the amount required.
JOHA ® Shellac Polishes. Our shellac polishes are produced of pure shellac, punched in 99% ethyl alcohol. You can either apply it with a brush or polish it according to an old tradition using a cloth with polishing oil. This requires some experience in application.
Previous experience:
Experience with spirit varnish
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it imore difficult to apply.