French polish

[marcros]

Does anybody know at what temperature French polish starts to become sticky? Is it ok next to a radiator? I know that hot cups are a no no. How about direct sunlight through a window?

 

[mrpercysnodgrass]

French polish should not become sticky once it is cured. If you put anything hot on it it will melt. Putting pieces next to radiators or in direct sunlight is okay but the heat will dry the shellac which eventually will become brittle and flakey. Sunlight will fade both the timber and the shellac. To counteract this you will need to give the pieces a good wax once a year, and if for instance you have the top of a chest or table next to a window you may need to wax it twice a year. The general rule of thumb for maintaining French polished furniture is, if it is looking a bit dry and grubby then it is time for a wax.