Shellac (or shellac) is a substance secreted by the lac insect found in India and Thailand. It is a natural polymer with a melting point of 75°C. In paste or liquid form, shellac has excellent adhesive properties on all Materials. These two properties make shellac a valued product in horology. Historically, shellac has been used to fix the pallets (levers) in their seat on the plate of the Pallets (lever). During escapement-making (finishing) operations, the horologist (watchmaker) can slightly heat their pallets (lever) in order to soften the shellac that binds the pallets to the pallet fork. This allows them to position the pallets with extreme precision to ensure the escapement functions perfectly. When the shellac cools, it hardens and sets, precisely and firmly positioning the pallets in their seats. Shellac is also used to seal a component onto a holding fixture or to fix a hand tool into its handle. Finally, shellac is used as a binder in the manufacture of certain stones. The abrasive powder is mixed, in the desired proportions, with the molten shellac before being molded and cooled.
The low melting point of shellac makes it easy to work with and does not risk compromising any Heat treatments of the components it comes into contact with in liquid or paste form. Shellac dissolves and cleans off easily with alcohol.
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