CAS 9000-59-3
Shellac Flakes
CAS 9000-59-3
Shellac flakes serve as a versatile resin used extensively in wood finishes, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry. Composed of a natural polymer mixture, shellac is recognized for its protective, moisture-proofing, and aesthetic properties. Available in multiple grades and forms such as orange and dewaxed flakes, it meets diverse industry needs. In East Africa, these flakes are particularly popular in woodworking, providing a natural and durable finish.
Main applicationWood finishes and varnishes — Provides a durable and aesthetic barrier coat
Shellac flakes are significant due to their natural origin and versatile application range, from protective finishes in woodworking to certified uses in pharmaceuticals and food products. Their ability to form durable, moisture-resistant coatings makes them essential in various industries, while their low toxicity and biodegradability enhance their appeal as an eco-friendly option.
Also known as
- Lac
- Lacca
- Lakh
- Lakh Resin

Trade pricing
Quoted per enquiry
Pricing depends on volume, grade and delivery point. Our desk responds within two working hours.
Available packaging
- Available in 1-25 kg packaging options.
Documentation
Batch-specific COA issued with every consignment.
Technical specifications
- CAS number
- 9000-59-3
- Grade
- Industrial grade
- Appearance
- Brittle yellowish transparent flakes
- Physical Form
- Flake
Shellac flakes are a natural resin composed of hydroxycarboxylic acids and sesquiterpene acids, which create a flexible, protective coating. Their versatility in application stems from their thermoplastic properties, making them ideal for moisture-proofing and corrosion resistance. Technical buyers should consider the grades (A–D) available, which differ based on moisture content, wax, and ash levels. It's crucial to specify whether dewaxed or waxy variants are required for the intended use. Consistency and clarity of the final finish also depend on the solvent quality and mixing process used during application.
Delivery
Shellac Flakes is dispatched from our Nairobi warehouse across Kenya, and export delivery is arranged to the wider East African market. Lead time depends on quantity and grade and is confirmed with your quotation — see delivery and collection for the towns we reach and how dispatch works.
Applications & uses
- Wood finishes and varnishes — Provides a durable and aesthetic barrier coat
- Pharmaceutical coatings — Used for enteric and time-release tablets
- Food industry — Utilized in fruit and confectionery coatings
- Textile stiffening — Used as a stiffener in hats
- Electrical insulation — Functions as an insulating varnish
- Abrasives — Acts as a binder in grinding wheels
- Cosmetics — Serves as a film former in mascaras and lipsticks
Industries we supply this to
Why buy this from Sparks
- Provides a natural and durable finish suitable for woodworking
- Suitable for pharmaceutical coatings enabling controlled release
- Approved for food-grade applications, ensuring safety
- Ideal for electrical insulation due to its insulating properties
- Offers versatility across multiple industries, including cosmetics and textiles
Quality assurance
- Batches are checked against the specification values listed above before dispatch.
State what your process, auditor or customs clearance requires when you request a quotation, and it is confirmed with the quote.
Safety, handling & storage
Always consult the full Safety Data Sheet before handling. Personnel must use appropriate PPE and follow local regulations for storage, transport and disposal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Shellac Flakes?
The CAS registry number for Shellac Flakes is 9000-59-3. Quote this number when requesting a quotation or checking documentation, as it identifies the substance unambiguously regardless of the trade name used.
What are the other names for Shellac Flakes?
Shellac Flakes is also referred to as Lac, Lacca, Lakh and Lakh Resin. These names describe the same substance, so a specification or enquiry written against any of them can be matched to this product.
What grade of Shellac Flakes is supplied?
Shellac Flakes is supplied as Industrial grade. State the grade your process requires when requesting a quotation — where an alternative grade can be sourced, it is confirmed at quotation stage rather than assumed.
What does Shellac Flakes look like?
Shellac Flakes is described as brittle yellowish transparent flakes. Appearance is a useful first check on receipt of goods, though it does not replace the certificate of analysis for confirming that the material meets specification.
What is Shellac Flakes used for?
Common applications include wood finishes and varnishes — Provides a durable and aesthetic barrier coat, pharmaceutical coatings — Used for enteric and time-release tablets, food industry — Utilized in fruit and confectionery coatings, textile stiffening — Used as a stiffener in hats, electrical insulation — Functions as an insulating varnish and abrasives — Acts as a binder in grinding wheels. The suitability of the product for a particular process depends on the grade and specification required, which is worth confirming against your own process conditions.
Which industries use Shellac Flakes?
Shellac Flakes is supplied to the Water Treatment, Food Processing & Beverage, Agriculture & Agrochemicals, Mining & Minerals, Construction & Admixtures, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Cleaning & Detergents, Paints, Coatings & Inks, Textile & Leather Tanning, Oil, Gas & Energy and Laboratories & Research sectors. These are the industries this product is listed against in our catalogue; if your application falls outside them, we can advise on suitability before you order.
What packaging is Shellac Flakes available in?
Available in 1-25 kg packaging options. Where a different pack size or bulk delivery is required, it is confirmed at quotation stage against availability rather than listed here as standard.
What is the HS code for Shellac Flakes?
Shellac Flakes is recorded against the EC number 232-549-9 and the HS customs code 1301.10. Quote this on customs and export paperwork; it is confirmed again on the commercial invoice for your specific consignment.
References
Technical information on this page was compiled from the following published sources. Safety and handling data always comes from the supplier’s own safety data sheet.
- 1.calcium chlorideams.usda.gov
- 2.Shellac Flakes - Foreverest Resources Ltdforeverest.net
- 3.Shellac flakestropag.com
- 4.Circular of the Bureau of Standards no. 302: United States government master specification for shellac, flake orangegovinfo.gov
- 5.CAS-9000-59-3, Shellac Flakes (Arsenic free) Manufacturers, Suppliers & Exporters in India | 024404cdhfinechemical.com
- 6.Shellac | Premium Grade Natural Resin - Zenco Systems Ltdzenithcoltd.com
- 7.SAFETY DATA SHEETactylis.com
- 8.Shellac - PubChempubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 9.Orange Shellacams.usda.gov
- 10.HAND MADE SHELLAC FLAKES – IndoLaccaindolacca.com
- 11.Shellac Uses - D. Manoharlal (Shellac) Pvt. Ltd.dmshellac.com
- 12.What’s the difference between these two shellacs?reddit.com
- 13.Shellac issues. Help.reddit.com
- 14.Currently testing shellac formulations for printmaking. If anyone is interested, I can post my findings.reddit.com
- 15.Shellac (pre-dewaxed) mixture after 2 weeks in 200 proof anhydrous reagent grade ethanol. Why aren’t the flakes dissolving? I’m even warming it up near a heater. It’s still too thin to get a build (or "layer") on wood.reddit.com
- 16.Shellac not mixing as it shouldreddit.com
- 17.Kenlac® | Kenya Adhesive Products Limitedkenyaadhesive.com
- 18.SHELLAC Imports In Kenya | SHELLAC export price | Zaubazauba.com
- 19.Kenya | TTB: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureauttb.gov
- 20.Solai Paints Limited, Solai Paints Limited,P.o Box,8855-00200 Nairobi Kenya., Nairobi (2026)engineering10.com
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