Liquid shellac vs. powdered

Is it possible to use liquid shellac cut with alcohol to wet stars in
which the shellac acts as a binder? If so, what would be the ratio of
shellac to alcohol? (The common stuff on shelves is a 3lb cut; that
is, three pounds shellac per gallon of alcohol.)

If it won't work, would it be wasteful to pay the $19/pound Skylighter
wants for powdered shellac, and does anyone have suggestions for other
suppliers?