You must dissolve the flakes in denatured alcohol only. They will not dissolve in linseed oil. The qt can of shellac that is sold at Lowes or Home Depot is no more dangerous than the flakes in alcohol. Please don't change the instructions because you don't like the chemicals in these products. The tech will not work if you change up the chemicals. If you a concerned about the chemicals here don't do it. Make sure you shellac flakes are the clear(shellac flakes that have been bleached clear or the finish wil be amber in color. For ease of use just get the qt can of clear and you can't go wrong. I can't help you if you don't follow the procedures as described.