French Polish as a finish for turnings

[Richard Findley]

Hi all,

I wondered if anyone had considered French Polish (one of the many types available) as a finish for turned items of any sort?

I never have, normally using oil and wax or sometimes lacquer but in a demo I watched recently FP was mentioned, along with several benifits to using it (although the demonstrator doesn't use it) and it interested me. Just wondered what you guys thought? Any experiences?

All input welcome as usual!

Cheers,

Richard

 

[Bodrighy]

From the little I know French polishing is a black art isn't it. The basic ingredient is shellac which is also in Friction Polish. On the right piece I should imagine it would look really good but would have thought it would need to be something special unless they have invented an easy way of doing it.

Pete

 

[CHJ]

I would have thought that French Polishing would have been a long winded process on a lathe piece, that's if I have the correct process in mind.
Having watched my father applying numerous coats of shellac all with just the right amount of oil and spiriting off blemishes etc. I don't think I would have the patience to do it, assuming I could develope the knack that is.

And even if the the result was the most fantastic deep luster, magnifying the figuring of the wood, it still only amounts to a rather soft surface compared with modern lacquers and with no indication to a user or owner that it is a little vulnerable to marking.

 

[Lightweeder]

I watched my father use it also, and I always thought the finish looked artificial. Too shiny :?

 

[OldWood]

Umm, well this is where I put my ignorant foot in it, but, guys, sanding sealer is just french polish in my understanding. Certainly, the shellac based material I am using as sanding sealer I also use as French Polish and now I just apply it to my turned pieces.

The point about FP is that you apply it in thin layers, the spirit (un-coloured meths) flashes off very quickly so that the shellac sets almost as soon as the cloth puts it down. And what is the difference when turning -- the cloth is applied to the spinning piece and the meths flashes off !

Am I missing something?

OW

 

[hog&bodge]

Umm, well this is where I put my ignorant foot in it, but, guys, sanding sealer is just french polish in my understanding. Certainly, the shellac based material I am using as sanding sealer I also use as French Polish and now I just apply it to my turned pieces.

The point about FP is that you apply it in thin layers, the spirit (un-coloured meths) flashes off very quickly so that the shellac sets almost as soon as the cloth puts it down. And what is the difference when turning -- the cloth is applied to the spinning piece and the meths flashes off !

Am I missing something?

OW

According to Wiki you are right thin layers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_polish

 

[rileytoolworks]

I'm with Oldwood.
I would only use it for decorative pieces though, as has been mentioned, it's not the most durable of finishes.
Just my tuppence worth.
Adam.

 

[CHJ]

.... And what is the difference when turning -- the cloth is applied to the spinning piece and the meths flashes off !

Am I missing something?

OW

When I have seen 'French Polishing' done on flat work the shellac has been applied with a 'Rubber' a cloth pad dressed with Linseed Oil to prevent it sticking whilst applying, a process similar to that being used by the pen turners applying CA glue.

I have used Meths cut Shellac as a sealer and as a Friction Polish but have never achieved the high depth gloss that I have seen on French Polished Flat work.

Does the Packaged French Polish have an oil content that enhances the gloss build?

 

[OldWood]

The linseed oil is only applied at the end. It is the building up, cutting back, building up cycle that generates the depth. The final stage is linseed oil and meths to create a final hard skin and the shine.

 

[Richard Findley]

Thanks for your input guys. Here is some of my thinking behind why I thought I'd give it a go:

The demonstrator I mentioned said that FP or perhaps more correctly Shellac, has a natural UV Resistance.

Compared to his method of applying Lacquer (off the lathe) FP would take about the same amount of time.

FP is a traditional finish which, although not considered to be as hardwearing as Lacquer, seems to stay on furniture for many many years, and still looks good as well!

The level of gloss is controlable

There is a "White" version available which will apparently not change the colour of pale woods such as Maple (to be tested!!!)

FP strikes me as being less chemical than Lacquer, although I'm not entirely certain of this last statement...

I think I'm going to get some and give it a go. I will keep you all posted as to how I get on. Keep posting your thoughts and experiences please.

Cheers,

Richard