Sandarac, COPAL, SHELLAC, LAC, and ELEMI are all resins used in varnish. Sandarac is an aromatic resin obtained from the branches of a tree native to North Africa and the Canary Islands. COPAL is a hard, brittle resin derived from the sap of certain African trees. SHELLAC is a resin secreted by the female LAC bug, which is found in India and Thailand. LAC is a resinous secretion of certain scale insects, primarily found in India. ELEMI is a pale yellow resin obtained from the ELEMI tree, which is native to the Philippines. All of these resins are used in varnish to provide a protective coating for wood and other surfaces.