Like wax, shellac is a veteran wood finish that dries within minutes and consists of natural ingredients. Shellac derives from the resin that lac bugs produce and secrete. It creates a warm-toned, shiny stain that seals various surfaces in a glaze. Due to its quick-drying capabilities, shellac is easy to layer. However, despite the number of coats you layer on, it still provides minimal protection against wear and tear. The thin layers act as a surface barrier against minor scratches and scuff marks, but besides that, shellac lacks other protective qualities.