#1 Home Improvement Retailer

Internet # 205140201

Model # 300

Best Seller

5 gal. Clear Shellac Traditional Finish and Sealer

$269.99
Apply Now
Pay $244.99 after $25 OFF your total qualifying purchase upon opening a new card. 
Apply for a Home Depot Consumer Card
  • 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
  • View More Details

Free & Easy Returns In Store or Online

Return this item within 90 days of purchase.

Read Return Policy

Ask about this product

Get an answer now with AI

AI-generated from the text of manufacturer documentation. To verify or get additional information, please contact The Home Depot customer service.

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
  • Return Policy

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

Is this shellac de waxed?
ByJul 27, 2026
1 Answer | 
Answer This Question

Great question, Stev! Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac is not a dewaxed shellac. If looking for a de-waxed version, you would need the aerosol version. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-12-oz-Clear-Shellac-Spray-408/100176744 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

By|Jul 28, 2026


    Can this be painted over
    ByJun 13, 2026
    1 Answer | 
    Answer This Question

    Happy to clear things up! Since Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac contains wax, it cannot be painted over directly. If wanting to paint the surface, you will either need to remove the shellac or use a dewaxed shellac product between the coatings. We recommend Rust-Oleum Zinsser SealCoat Universal Sanding Sealer. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-1-qt-SealCoat-Universal-Sanding-Sealer-Case-of-6-854/205140204 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

    By|Jun 16, 2026


      Is this unwaxed shellac
      ByJun 12, 2026
      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|Jul 28, 2026

        (1)

        I just bought a house and I took the wallpaper off of the wood pantry shelves. Can I use this before I paint them to seal the adhesive/glue instead of scraping it off?
        ByMay 31, 2026
        1 Answer | 
        Answer This Question

        We appreciate your interest! Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac is not suitable for use directly over wallpaper adhesive. This product also cannot be painted over directly since it contains wax. Instead, we recommend using Rust-Oleum Zinsser Gardz Problem Surface Sealer over the residual adhesive before painting over it. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Zinsser-GARDZ-1-qt-Clear-Water-Based-Interior-Problem-Surface-Sealer-6-Pack-2304/205145658 - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

        By|Jun 1, 2026


          Can this be applied over an acrylic based paint?
          ByMay 29, 2026
          1 Answer | 
          Answer This Question

          Great question! Yes, Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac can be applied to painted surfaces. Make sure that paint has fully dried before applying the shellac. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

          By|Jun 1, 2026


            Can this be used over top of the heirloom all-in-one paint to protect the surface?
            ByMar 28, 2026
            1 Answer | 
            Answer This Question

            Great question! Rust-Oleum Zinsser Bulls Eye Shellac can be applied to painted surfaces. We recommend allowing the paint to fully cure before using this finish. When using different brands of paint, we recommend to apply in a test area first to ensure favorable results. - Rust-Oleum Product Support 3

            By|Mar 30, 2026


              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


                  Viewing 1-8 of 241

                  Customer Reviews

                  4.6 out of 5

                  • 4.6 out of 647 reviews
                  • 92% recommend this product
                  Filter by:
                  Showing 1-10 of 647 reviews
                  The shellac was recommended by my builder to use on stair treads and shelving. It is red oak. I also used it on a newly stripped wood floor that is 75 years old. It went on smoothly. I used a roller. The odor wasn’t bad with some ventilation. It dried fast, even the second coat. It’s very clear and feels hard. It was easier than I expected and the results were amazing. I recommend this product for any wood projects.
                  by
                  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
                        Showing 1-10 of 647 reviews

                        Compare Key Features

                        current item

                        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