<Shellac is available in flakes from woodworking shops. <Dissolve it in <denatured alcohol (hardware store) overnight. Should be <thin, not <syrupy.
Another place to get (the easy way) shellac is from Sherwin-Williams paint stores, or other professional paint suppliers. It's ready to spray/brush, as it comes as liquid, in a quart paint can. Again, thin/cleanup with denatured alcohol.
Steve Dahlquist
Velochrome Frameset Painting
V 559-592-6367
F 559-592-2585
C 559-967-3318
steve@velochrome.com
22582 Carson Avenue
Exeter, California 93221
http://www.Velochrome.com