French Polishing part 2

[@kenwhisler]

Michael, your artgum eraser idea worked good, I took it a step further: I took sections of scrap 3 ply rubber blanket from a print shop, glued it with old titebond to scrap pieces of pattern grade birch plywood, and then cut squares in sizes to suit my hands. The result is a block that wears a lot less, and the edges stay fine and consistently get into the tight spots. I've even done refinishes without removing the bridge. They also make great sanding blocks and clamping cauls.

[@ZebulonTurrentine]

Yeah the eraser is a good idea. I have recently started using a little sanding block wedge with a cork pad on the bottom, but I think that the eraser is much more gentle. Thanks for the video.

[@JMichaelThames]

@gilligog I like using seedlac....... some people filter out the wax, but I don't. I feel like it does help with the final polishing, but I still use oil.

[@romanusantonius1655]

Nice videos. Thanks alot. I can see how the eraser works on the top and back, but what about the sides?

[@AndreasPapadamou]

Very nice video for french polishing. I have a question though: How long should I rub to complete one coat of shellac? Should I go again and again from the same spot or only once and then go on to the rest of my surface? Thanks

[@JMichaelThames]

@devivo77 That's not true, if you wipe off the water in the usual amount of time after wet sanding there is no cloudiness if you leave water on the finished surface it might make a problem, but that's not what we are doing.

[@whackerberry]

Excellent video.. iv been asked to French polish a bannisters which I have just finished but iv never done it before. Do you recommend doing a few classes in polishing first ? I never usually get involved in finishing , I'd prefer to leave it to the customers so I can't be blamed if their not happy.. its something I wouldn't mind trying . Any info would be appreciated

[@gilligog]

Great video. I've heard that if you're using waxed shellac flakes that you dont need to use oil on the final coats. is this true? Are the flakes you are using waxed or de-waxed?

[@kakaa1984]

Using water to cut back is fine but it will be more abrasive than using oil. French polish is the easiest if not only finish that can be repaired without needing to strip back to bare wood.

[@burckett]

Can you use white or button polish on guitars??

[@pluckerpick]

What do you have over the bridge position, is it tape and how come it does not peel off with all he water ?

[@18roselover]

thanks michael ,learning from your vids .Are you back to work? or are you currently practicing zen , cheers from ernie

[@Z5LA5H]

what would we do without our luthiers!!

[@devivo77]

You should never NEVER use water with schellac. It can form a white cloud under your finish. You use all tipes of pure oli (such as 100% olive oil) as lubrificant when sanding

[@jamesrosch]

@devivo77 That's not true, if you wipe off the water in the usual amount of time after wet sanding there is no cloudiness if you leave water on the finished surface it might make a problem, but that's not what we are doing. The water is not a problem because, unlike old school french polish, the flakes you are using have been de-waxed. The wax is what reacts with water in furniture that has been done in the french polish style

[@JMichaelThames]

Well said James, the problem with using oil to sand down the shellac is if you happen to accidentally sand down to the wood the oil will stain the wood, and that's a disaster! Now days I use the 320 to 400 grit dry paper (the silver colored stuff) with no water. In fact I don't use water any more at all.

[@jamesrosch]

one good method for leveling Shellac is to use a little high grade rottenstone. I think that your video may encourage the novice to use a mouse with squared edges. This will dig in and leave noticeable waves and ripples especially around the areas where a direct approach laterally to an edge is necessary. It will be faint as you work but more noticeable as you go along. I always use large circles and if you want to use a level surface, use cork with rounded edges and three layers of tight weave cotton such as an old linen shirt. damp with alchohol then rottenstone then walnut oil. this will be the best ad-mixture and will allow the best gradual build/leveling. There are no short cuts in french polishing ESPECIALLY AN INSTRUMENT for the novice.

[@sgnt9337]

That is good to know. Up to now I've been afraid to clean my French Polished guitar with anything but a dry cloth for fear of clouding the finish.