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Internet # 205140201

Model # 300

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5 gal. Clear Shellac Traditional Finish and Sealer

$269.99
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  • Clear finish seals and protects wood trim, furniture and more
  • Blocks all odors on interior drywall, plaster, masonry and wood
  • Brings out wood grain beauty without darkening or yellowing
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Product Details

About This Product

Zinsser 5 gal. Clear Shellac Traditional Finish and Sealer is all-Natural and non-toxic. It is a protective wood sealer for trim, paneling, furniture, household projects and crafts. The sealer dries to the touch in 15 minutes and can be re-coated in 45 minutes.

Highlights

  • Classic finish is great on wood trim, paneling and furniture
  • Covers 2000 sq. ft.
  • Mid-gloss finish
  • Dried film is non-toxic and hypoallergenic
  • All-natural and nontoxic formula is suitable for use as a clear protective sealer for crafts and household projects
  • Dries to touch in 30 minutes
  • Easy clean up with alcohol or ammonia and water
  • Online price includes PaintCare fee in the following states: CA, CO, CT, DC, ME, MN, OR, RI, VT, WA
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Product Information

Internet # 205140201

Model # 300

Specifications

Dimensions

Container Size

5 Gallon

Coverage Area (sq. ft.)

2000 sq ft

Details

Application

Shellac, Lacquer & Polyurethane

Application Method

Brush, Pad, Wipe On

Base Material

Shellac

Coating Product Category

Waterproofer/Sealer

Color Family

Clear

Dry to Touch (min.)

30

Interior/Exterior

Interior

Number of coats recommended

1

Number per Package

1

Paint/Stain Clean Up

Mineral Spirits

Paint/Stain Features

Sealer

Product Form

Liquid

Returnable

90-Day

Sheen

Gloss

Substrate Condition

Bare Wood, Finished Wood, Old/Reclaimed Wood, Stained Wood, Unfinished Wood

Surface Material Use

Wood

Time before recoating (hours)

1

Transparency

Clear

Vertical/Horizontal

Vertical / Horizontal

Warranty / Certifications

Manufacturer Warranty

Satisfaction guaranteed for full refund of purchase price

Questions & Answers

Why is this not food safe? What exactly is shellac made from? The guys at work say it's beetle excrement. Is that actually true?
ByJan 7, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Happy to clear things up! While Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac is a non-toxic sealer, it has not been tested for food contact and therefore cannot be recommended for that type of use. Our Bulls Eye Shellac uses resins secreted by female lac bugs and denatured alcohol, ethanol, and water as solvents. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

By|Mar 4, 2026

    (1)

    Can I use this on chopping block countertops to waterproof them
    ByJan 6, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    We're happy to clear things up. While Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac provides a durable finish for wooden surfaces, it cannot be applied to countertops or butcher blocks. This is not a food safe coating and cannot be applied to surfaces that will make direct food contact. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

    By|Jan 6, 2026


      Can i use a lacquer clear coat as a final coat?
      ByDec 30, 2025
      1 Answer | 
      Answer This Question

      Great question, Daniel. Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac contains a wax finish which can hinder the adhesion of some lacquer topcoats. To ensure the best adhesion we recommend applying Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye SealCoat between the coat of shellac and lacquer. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-1-qt-SealCoat-Wood-Interior-Sealer-Case-of-4-824H/202941429 -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

      By|Dec 30, 2025


        Is this wax free?
        ByDec 29, 2025
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        We're happy to clear things up. Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac does contain wax. If you are looking for a wax free shellac we recommend Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac Spray. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-12-oz-Clear-Shellac-Spray-408/100176744 -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

        By|Dec 29, 2025


          does this have a strong odor
          ByDec 15, 2025
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Happy to help! Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac does have an odor as it cures. It is important to properly ventilate the area by opening windows and using fans both when applying and as the product cures. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

          By|Dec 15, 2025


            Can I put joint compound over it?
            ByDec 8, 2025
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Kenneth, thanks so much for reaching out! Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac contains wax, and the joint compound will likely not cure correctly. Additionally we have not tested for the joint compound to be used with the shellac. However, we are here to help and would love to chat more about your application and see if there is another product we can recommend instead. Please give us a call at 888-855-1774. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

            By|Dec 8, 2025


              can this be used in a airless sprayer
              ByDec 6, 2025
              1 Answer | 
              Answer This Question

              Dorraine, happy to clear things up! For best application results, it is recommended to apply using a brush pad or lint-free wiping cloth. Due to the fast-drying properties of Rust-Oleum Zinsser Shellac, we do not recommend applying it using a sprayer, as it can cause the finish to dry before reaching the surface. Instead, we recommend using the spray version. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-12-oz-Clear-Shellac-Spray-408/100176744 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 10

              By|Dec 8, 2025


                Can l use a Paint Roller ?
                ByDec 3, 2025
                1 Answer | 
                Answer This Question

                We're happy to help. Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac can be applied using a brush, pad, or lint-free wiping cloth. We do not recommend using a roller as this can work bubbles into the coating. -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14

                By|Mar 9, 2026

                  (1)

                  Viewing 1-8 of 236

                  Customer Reviews

                  4.6 out of 5

                  • 4.6 out of 622 reviews
                  • 92% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 622 reviews
                  Can rusted through!
                  Bought this less than a year ago and only used it once. The can, while stored in a cabinet, completely rusted through causing nearly the entire contents to leak all over! If the manufacturer is reading this please make a better can. If you buy be aware the can it comes in will not last long.
                  by
                  Response from Rust-OleumSupportMar 9, 2026
                  Happy to clear things up, Scott. This is strange to hear considering Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac does not contain water to cause any rusting. Be sure you are storing in a dry well-ventilated place that will not be exposed to high amounts of humidity.
                  -Rust-Oleum Product Support 14 Rustoleum
                    Excellent product. Doesn't leave bubbles. Dries quickly. Natural source.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    An exceptionally useful old fashioned product to meet our needs for finishing thresh holds in our home. It's fast drying and easy to clean up with a a solution of ammonia and water. Will purchase again.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    Great brand. Wish you’d carry more on hand. It was the last one on the shelf… and at times when I’ve gone you were all out.
                    by
                    • Verified Purchase
                    Odd appearance
                    Bought a can yesterday and was surprised by the cloudiness of the content. Dries too fast to level and then stays gummy for a couple of hours. Not sure if I got an old can…
                    by
                    Response from Rust-OleumSupportNov 13, 2023
                    This is not what we expect to hear, and we need to gather more details to get to the bottom of this! Please give us a call at 800-901-0411 to talk with us further. When calling, please have your can of Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac nearby, so we can collect the batch codes from it.
                    - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3 Rustoleum
                      Mislabeled can
                      This was amber shellac in a clear can, or either very old. Not even close to other batches.
                      by
                      Response from Rust-OleumSupportNov 7, 2023
                      That is not what we like to hear! Please give us a call at 80-901-0411, we want to get to the bottom of this, and make things right! - Rust-Oleum Product Support 2 Rustoleum
                        1 found this review helpful
                        Put a nice six coats on some pine boards I...
                        Put a nice six coats on some pine boards I put together to make a table top for my gas square fire pi to us for drinks and food when pit is not lit. Very good and durable product!
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        1 found this review helpful
                        Used on a walnut LED Light fixture
                        great finish, used it on walnut and it really brought out the grain of the wood.
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        • Recommended
                        Excellent...
                        Excellent
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        Built a new dining table and wanted a toxic free...
                        Built a new dining table and wanted a toxic free finish, it turned out great. I sprayed it on with my Fuji spray gun with sanding in between coats. 4 layers of coverage.
                        by
                        • Verified Purchase
                        1 found this review helpful
                        Showing 1-10 of 622 reviews

                        Compare Key Features

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                        Product Snapshot

                        Ideal for wood projects, this shellac dries quickly, offers easy cleanup, and provides a non-toxic, mid-gloss finish.
                        Ideal for wood projects, this shellac dries quickly, offers a mid-gloss finish, and covers up to 400 sq. ft., ensuring lasting beauty.
                        Ideal for wood projects, this shellac dries quickly, offers easy cleanup, and provides a non-toxic, mid-gloss finish.
                        Ideal for customers who want a clear, non-yellowing finish, ensuring easy application and cleanup.

                        Coverage Area

                        2000 sq. ft.
                        400 sq. ft.
                        2000 sq. ft.
                        3000 sq. ft.

                        Drying Time

                        30 minutes
                        30 min
                        30 minutes
                        10 min dry to touch

                        Finish Quality

                        Mid-gloss
                        Mid-gloss
                        Mid-gloss
                        Clear matte finish

                        Water Resistance

                        Ease of Application