I have found a reliable source of "...the stuff that the Soviets used...". It is however very difficult to get. It only grows under the toenails, on the teeth, and in the ears of the largest lunchladies at schools and in hospitals. Removal can be done numerous ways, but I prefer a flat headed 17' screwdriver and thick leather gloves. Sometimes I wear a painters mask, depending on the situation. For determining darkness of finished product you can follow the rule - the older and larger the lunchlady, the darker the resulting shellac. They seem to develope and age at the same time, which leads me to believe they are mutually dependant. Just remember, don't take it all, or it won't replenish itself for next time!