To clean shellac from brushes, which solvent is most effective?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Water
• C. Turpentine
• D. Vinegar

Answer: (A)

Shellac is a resin that dissolves in alcohol, so the most effective way to clean brushes used with shellac is to use an alcohol-based solvent (such as denatured alcohol or ethanol). Alcohol rapidly dissolves the shellac film on the bristles, letting you wipe or rinse it away before it hardens. Water won’t dissolve shellac and can cause it to swell or set, making cleanup harder. Turpentine is geared toward oil-based finishes and isn’t effective at dissolving shellac, and vinegar is acidic and does not dissolve shellac either, plus it could affect the bristles or leave residues. So, alcohol is the best choice for cleaning shellac from brushes.