Then pour out a little from the jar into the cup, and if it is too thin, thicken with some fresh shellac.

After using, pour back the residue into the jar, carefully wiping the brush on the edge of the jar; and if it is not to be used again for some time, rinse it in a little alcohol, which may also be poured into the jar, which should then be covered.

What little shellac remains in the brush and cup will do no harm and the brush may be left standing in the cup until required.

The important things are to keep the shellac cup and brush for _shellac only_, (indeed, it is a good plan to label them "SHELLAC ONLY,") and to keep the shellac covered so that the alcohol in it will not evaporate.

In a pattern-making shop, where the shellac cup is to be frequently used, it is well to have cups with covers thru which the brushes hang, like the brush in a mucilage jar.
Varnish brushes need to be cleaned thoroly after each using.