Best Oils For French Polishing - Part 5 French Polishing Fundamentals

Learn about the different types of oil for French Polishing and how they can be used to produce a more durable and glossy shellac finish for your next guitar. French Polishing Fundamentals Part 5 - Oils For French Polishing.
Links from the video:
👉The Art Of French Polishing Video Course: theartoflutherie.com/french-p...
👉Download the Free Shellac Handbook Here: theartoflutherie.com/shellac-...
👉Introduction to French Polishing (Article): theartoflutherie.com/french-p...
👉Why I switched To French Polishing (Article): theartoflutherie.com/why-i-sw...
👉Learn more about the Luthier's EDGE online guitar-making school here: theartoflutherie.com/luthier-...
👉My Most Recommended Luthier Tools: theartoflutherie.com/luthier-...
French Polishing Fundamentals Video Series:
👉Part 1 Introduction and Why I switched To Shellac: • French Polishing Funda...
👉Part 2 Wood Preparation: • Wood Preparation For F...
👉Part 3 Best Alcohol For Making Shellac: • Best Alcohol For Makin...
👉Part 4 Types Of Shellac For French Polishing: • Shellac For French Pol...
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[@waltersguitars3336]

Awesome video I love all your videos! You’re a true artist

[@codelicious6590]

Great tip thanks

[@stratocactus]

That was very informative and on point, since I am French polishing 2 guitars this week :) So far I have used mineral oil to lubricate the pad, but never felt super happy with it. Though it is not supposed to be a drying oil (I think the right term is "curing" instead of "drying") I experienced the layering effect on a guitar once. Not very fun to deal with. Basically sand and start over :/

[@TheArtOfLutherie]

Hey Julien, So glad you found it helpful! :) Yes, it can be called curing or drying. Both terms can be used; more info on it here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drying_oil?. You are so right about the mineral oil, I had that, too, back when I was first learning. Even olive oil can cause layering if it gets overused and is applied with the wrong technique.

[@Alex-qp8ym]

Could you use polymerized Tung oil since it is also a curing oil?

[@MOHANMSHARMA]

Can we use coconut oil also in French polish, because it's easily available here.

[@TheArtOfLutherie]

Hi Mohan, I have never used that oil, but I do not think it would work well, so I do not recommend it.

[@hampshirepiano6383]

Hi, what kind of oil/oils were used in art school?

[@TheArtOfLutherie]

Mostly linseed oil, which like Walnut oil is a drying oil, and as it polymerizes and has a similar smell.

[@hampshirepiano6383]

My friend,,,polymerization is by heating only. What is happening there is oxidizing,!! it is the effect of the air on those materials. To get boiled linseed today, one needs to get it from an art store. They stopped boiling linseed "polymerization" in 1930 because it was very much cheaper to do it chemically, But it is still called that and everybody thinks it is actually cooked = no. Boiled linseed was non toxic once upon a time. RB.

[@TheArtOfLutherie]

You are right, the catalyst for curing, in this case, is oxidation. However, it still results in crosslinking - AKA polymerization. I am no chemist for sure, but all I can say is that the resulting finish, with the curing or drying oil added, stays shiny and lasts longer. More detailed info on this type of drying oil polymerization here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drying_oil?

[@hampshirepiano6383]

Thanks---I need help. Wow--I never thought of it that way, Yes I am aware that there is synthetic and organic. Hmm,,taking the pure shellac, mixing it with alcohol and putting it on something, then let it harden or flash off. Is it not the same as it was before applying? And now is harder then when it was in the package? or what? Unless something else is added like a drying oil. maybe?

[@TheArtOfLutherie]

The walnut oil is helpful for sure, but the method of application plays a big part in the hardness and glossy look of the finish as well. If shellac is brushed or just wiped on, it is not the same. The right French polishing technique with lots of pressure and friction can produce a harder and more beautiful finish. It is like spit-shining a shoe; lots of friction and pressure bring out the shine. That, combined with adding walnut oil, can produce a wonderful looking and sounding finish.

[@carlosmacmartin4205]

I'm curious, who taught you?

[@TheArtOfLutherie]

Hi Carlos, I learned French polishing from Eugene Clark. He was a true master and my good friend and is sorely missed. I do my best to try to pass on what he entrusted to me.

[@carlosmacmartin4205]

@TheArtOfLutherie 😃 I knew Eugene well and used to visit him when he lived in El Cerrito. I greatly encouraged him to get back into guitar-making and even got him a handful of commissions. Too much to talk about. Glad to hear you learned from him.

[@Cpt_Adama]

The vast majority of olive oils are cut with seed oils to make it cheaper. Even if it says pure olive oil as long as it has at least 51% olive oil the FDA allows them to call it olive oil even though it's not pure.

[@FiddleSticks800]

In the USA, labels are required to list all ingredients. So it’s pretty easy to knows

[@Cpt_Adama]

@@FiddleSticks800 The FDA doesn’t require those seed oils to be listed if over 51% olive oil, so no it’s not easy to know by reading the label. Google is your friend if you dare to do some research, “Olive oil cut with seed oils” to start with. It’s a huge problem with olive oil.

[@Nick-cs9dt]

In which country? I take it you’re not speaking on behalf of every country in the world.

[@Cpt_Adama]

​@@Nick-cs9dtUnited States

[@Nick-cs9dt]

Thanks. Always best to confirm rather than treating the USA as the default country. There are so many different countries, all with their own different standards.

[@artisantoi2204]

Are you suit on your hair :))

[@artisantoi2204]

That should have said …. Are you using it on your hair

[@clydeleitold3010]

You sure do ramble alot. hardly EVER getting to the point!!!