Shellac dries fast, but it needs time to harden. A shellac finish usually takes about an hour to dry. Let the shellac dry for at least 2 hours after applying it for the best results. The thickness of the coat will determine how long it takes to dry. Each coat blends into the one before it, making a single, thicker coat. Because of this, you don't need to sand between coats to improve bonding, as you would with varnish or urethane finishes.