And here is an idea from your own country... Marquetry Society of Canada - Finishing Techniques
PREPARATION MIXING SHELLAC There are various methods of measuring the mixture of alcohol and lac flakes. Commercially it is done by weight. I have found that mixing by volume works providing I crush the flakes in the same manner every time. I often use lemon shellac on old marquetry as it imparts an antique yellowish patina, but the flakes are bigger and thicker and so measurement by volume will give a different proportion than the same volume of blond flakes. Crushing the flakes to a granular consistency will enable the lac to dissolve quicker and will give a consistent measurement. There are two basic applications of the shellac: first, the bodying-up, or the filling of the pores and smoothing of the surface, and second, finishing or polishing. It is quicker to use a thicker mixture at first. My mix is 4:1 crushed flakes and alcohol at the start and then 5:1 for finishing. To crush the flakes, first put them in a ziploc-type bag or double a sandwich bag, and wrap the bag in a cotton rag. Whack the daylights out of it, with a flat piece of wood. After crushing the lac, measure by volume 1 part flakes and pour them into an old clean narrow-necked plastic 2 litre juice container. Using the same measuring device, pour in 4 parts methyl hydrate (wood alcohol). Put the cap on the container and shake well. It will take an hour or so to fully dissolve the lac flakes. Periodically inspect the solution and shake it vigorously. Screen out the lac that will not dissolve with a kitchen sieve, or better, buy a new one (the cook will not be amused). Remember to rinse the sieve with methyl hydrate after you use it. Most hardware stores carry clear plastic containers for mustard and ketchup. Buy 2 of these, perhaps when you buy the sieve. Pour the shellac mixture into container #1, and mark it 4:1 mix. Into container #2 pour 1 portion of alcohol, measuring it in the original measuring container, then pour in 4 portions of the 4:1 mix. This is then your 5:1 mix. Mark this container 5:1 mix. By mixing your own flakes, you will have removed one of the many variables, the age of the shellac. The older the mixture the longer it takes to dry so unless you intend to use any leftover shellac within few months, throw it away. Shellac is environment friendly and will kill weeds by stopping photosynthesis in foliage. If you have struggled with me so far, you are becoming aware of what I said initially, this is not a finish for the faint of heart. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
