Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Aug 22, 2005 03:08pm | #1

   If you are using the "French polish" that comes in a bottle, you are not French polishing. The thinner that is in the bottle can loosen the finish that's already on the piece. Here is a pretty good article on real French polishing.
   http://www.milburnguitars.com/frenchpolish.html

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   cristofol | Aug 24, 2005 03:56pm | #2

   The french polish I am using is a fresh batch made of 7oz flakes to 2 pints of alcohol,

   any other ideas as to why it doesn't work?

1. 
   hammer1 | Aug 25, 2005 02:08am | #3

   Cristofol, the reason I asked about the bottled French polish was, that it sounded as if too much alcohol might be affecting the surrounding finish. If you gave us a bit more information, someone may have an idea. Is this a new piece. did you apply the original finish, by a patch, do you mean a dutchman, what species of wood, are you grain filling, using stains or dyes, are you using a spit coat, is it just the new finish on the old that is giving problems? Any specifics you can detail will help. Normally there isn't much shellac on the mouse, so, polishing by itself shouldn't be adding much thinner. If it is an old piece, there can be contaminants and who knows what.Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

1. 
   cristofol | Sep 09, 2005 08:57pm | #5

   Apologies for taking so long to reply, been away on business.

   The Milburn article is very impressive and I am sure will sort out my problem.

   Many thanks for your help. Cristofol.

2. 
   jazzdogg | Aug 25, 2005 06:59pm | #4

   Sounds like your tampon is too wet, or you're squeezing it so hard excess shellac is pooling on the surface, or you're applying too much downward force on your tampon.

   What kind of results are you achieving when you apply your french polish to a test board - not the one that's giving you  problems?

    -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   cristofol | Sep 09, 2005 09:07pm | #6

   Apologies for the late reply, been away on business.

   No problems polishing on new work, only when repairing antique furniture, usually mahogany, where the finish has been badly damaged by spilt perfume or alcohol.

   The Milburn article suggested by Hammerhead is very comprehensive and I am sure will sort out the problem, will try it in the shop next week. Thank you for your help.

   Cristofol