Pure shellac flakes can be dissolved in ethanol (pure denatured alcohol) or methanol (methyl hydrate) to form a viscous liquid the consistency of syrup for sealing surfaces. The shellac will dissolve in pure, strong alcohol (99.5%) in about one day. Weaker alcohol can take much longer - up to a week.
There is a point when shellac gum subjected to heat will "pass over" or polymerize from a plastic, soluble state to a tough, rubbery, insoluble form. I would try grinding it finely in a blender and then try to dissolve in a different brand new can of methylated spirits. If it doesn't dissolve, let it go.
To make the dissolving go faster, you can reduce the flakes to powder (for example, in a blender) or place the container in hot water. With both methods you still need to stir, however, until the shellac has dissolved.
Shellac is a natural bioadhesive polymer and is chemically similar to synthetic polymers. It can thus can be considered a natural form of plastic. With a melting point of 75 °C (167 °F), it can be classed as a thermoplastic used to bind wood flour, the mixture can be moulded with heat and pressure.
Over itself, each coat of shellac melts into and bonds with any previous coats. The resins that makeup the protective layer of film formed when shellac dries are derived from the secretions of Laccifer lacca bugs, which are indigenous to Southeast Asia.
Shellac will dissolve in water (aqueous solution) if added to alkali solutions - borax, sodium carbonate, ammonia being the most readily available alkalis. Borax in particular is often used for the purpose as a safe chemical.
To make a general clear shellac varnish, in a clean glass jar, add 1 part (by weight) dewaxed shellac to 3 parts Methylated Spirits. Stir or agitate till dissolved (approx. 30 minutes) and then thin with extra Methylated Spirits to suit.
Any remover with an acetone content of 60 per cent or more will work, but it's best to find one designed to remove shellac or gel polish – like this one – as it will be less harsh on your skin and nail beds. Pure acetone is also very effective, but it can also be drying to your skin and nail beds.
Turpentine cannot be considered a solvent in the same way that alcohol dissolves shellac or water dissolves salt.
It is very important to think about the solvent used to dissolve the shellac. Most people simply use commercially available “denatured” alcohol. Denatured alcohol is a general alcohol-based solvent used for a variety of applications across many industries. Mixed with shellac, it will produce a serviceable finish.
Acetone does not dissolve shellac nail polish, it simply facilitates loosening off the polish so as to allow you to easily remove it.
Shellac and heat don't mix well, especially in long term contact in the same spot. You need do no more than remove and give the surface two coats of the polyurethane instead of 1 shel/1 poly. Never use shellac on a surface that is going to possibly receive heat to an extent where it will affect the shellac.
Unfortunately, leaving your CND™ Shellac™ manicure on for too long can result in service breakdown; lifting, chipping, discolouration etc.
You'll need acetone nail polish remover – nothing else will do the job. You'll also need a good nail file with a rough side, some kitchen foil and some cotton pads. If you're feeling fancy, Glossier Cotton Rounds (€4 for 60 at glossier.com) are embossed and what you might call an "elevated beauty basic".
To remove shellac without acetone, soak a cotton ball in non-acetone nail polish remover, then press it onto the surface of each nail. Make sure to cover the entire painted surface. Wrap a piece of foil around each nail to hold the cotton ball in place, and leave it there for 10-15 minutes.
Acetone offers the most effective way to remove gel nail polish at home, says board-certified dermatologist Shari Lipner, MD, FAAD.
Applying Denatured Alcohol
Also find a piece of 4/0 steel wool. Using a small brush, brush the shellac with the denatured alcohol. Allow the denatured alcohol to sit for a few minutes. This will help it to begin naturally stripping off the shellac.
Hand sanitizer
The good news is that most sanitizers contain a little bit of alcohol, which is a good solvent to soften nail polish. Soak your nails in lukewarm water to soften them, then wet a cotton ball with sanitizer and use it to wipe off the nail paint. Repeat till all is gone!
Repairing a Shellac Finish
Shellac is not alcohol- or water stain-resistant, but damage caused by either one can be easily repaired. You can buff out a white water stain on a horizontal surface (such as a tabletop) with a small amount of lemon oil and #0000 steel wool.
Denatured alcohol at 95% is the solvent for all shellac flakes.
Shellac is a multi-talented finishing material: Not only does it provide a beautiful top finish but it's also an effective sanding sealer and functions well as a barrier coat between dissimilar finishes. It also dries quickly, is easily repairable, and is non-toxic when dry.
Baking soda is generally an excellent cleanser, and it will take off shellac polish easily. Make the magic paste by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to two teaspoons of warm water. Put this paste on your nails and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
Shellac, just as many other finishes, is not waterproof, however, it is quite water resistant. Shellac can easily withstand water for about 4 hours. Even if the surface is not wiped, the resulting faint white stain will still fade away as it dries. However, repairing shellac is extremely easy!
Wearing gloves is especially important if you'll be using any harsh detergents or chemicals such as bleach, which can cause the shellac to lift or chip at the edge of your nails. Once that's happened (if you're anything like our team at RY) you'll want to call it a day and pick 'em all off to start from scratch.