How do I repaint an old white shellac dining chair?

There are several ways to repaint the chairs. Probably the easiest is to use chalk paint because you aren't required to sand first and you can seal it with finishing wax. I never heard of shellac paint, but I'm guessing it has a gloss finish? I like Behr paint that has the primer built in. In comes in a variety of finishes from flat to high gloss. I would lightly sand the chairs, smoothing any cracks and then just paint. I hope this is helpful

Because they are shellac they will have to be striped and sanded as nothing will adhere to that finish

How about going arty?!

I have done this( being in the decor trade); just first clean up the chairs with basic baking soda & warm water//rinse with clean cloths & warm water & dry well.

Using package soft spools(they are in almost every package now a days) place in an old ice cream container a spray with a primer based spray paint~ generally either stick to neutral colours or go metalics//& this will also mean for the chairs as well( the spray paint ought to say for use on metals; this is a hidden trick for lasting)..& please use gloves.

After you have sprayed your package bits, turning them over in the container to get all covered, then lighty dry with a hair dryer on low whilst using your hand to seperate pieces~ it is easy. .. Then set up your chairs using the right area for spraying & ground covernings & always spray one direction(within areas), stand 20 cm away also though have on handy an old make up blush brush incase you form a dribble, if this happens then pat lightly upwards{take off excess from brush with paper towels;& btw this brush then becomes a craft brush}..

After the chairs have dried using a quick drying glue(& get a decent one for this part) add your sprayed pieces in different angles over areas that can be seen as marked areas On chairs~create patterns if you like.. once finished give them a clear spray coat ; matt or gloss your choice.

The package materials remain pliable so if sitting on any pieces they won't feel uncomfortable// or leave the seat area & place thin foam cotton covered seat extras( still cheap & can get many a colour to match or go different totally... 2 dollar shops & craft places have these.. TIP; so they dont get dirty, spray hair spray of a few coats befor use..)

I hope this gives you some inspiration~ BTW; it does look wilde & great.. mine get envied!

Happy Crafting:)))