Shellac and lacquer are alcohol-based finishes, which can be removed with a variety of solvents that are available from your neighborhood hardware store. Shellac can be removed with denatured alcohol. If alcohol doesn't work, try lacquer thinner.

What will dissolve shellac?

Dissolve dry shellac flakes in denatured ethanol, which is sold in most paint stores. It also dissolves in methanol, butyl and isopropyl alcohol. Methanol will evaporate the quickest, followed by ethanol, butyl and isopropyl alcohol.

How do you dissolve old shellac?

First, use a clean rag to apply a generous amount of denatured alcohol to the shellac. After two minutes, dip fine steel wool into denatured alcohol, then use it to scrub off shellac from your carved furniture in a circular motion. Finally, give your furniture a final wipe using a clean, damp rag.