Replies

1. 
   RMillard | Dec 08, 2004 06:24am | #1

   I don't know much about spraying, (I'm not very good at it) but I think all finishes, other than French polish, and oil finishes ( which really aren't finishes) need at least some rubout. I see the real advantage to spraying as speed, both in application, and the amount of rubbing out necessary, compared to brushing.
   Rob Millard

1. 
   dreep | Dec 08, 2004 08:39pm | #5

   Rob, I know that you are quite accomplished with a digital camera. Would it possible for you to attach an image that shows a surface, pre rubbed?

1. 
   RMillard | Dec 10, 2004 02:45pm | #6

   DreepI think it is more of a feel question when talking about a rubbed out finish. When I do a good job of brushing on shellac, the surface looks pretty nice, but it feels poor. The same thing happens with the varnish I use for tops, that last coat can look like glass as far as the reflection, but when you run your hand across it, it drags and feels almost sticky. I'm shutting down today for the rest of the year, but I have a sideboard that I will be applying shellac to while I'm off. In a couple of weeks I'll rub out one half of a door and see if it is possible to photograph the difference.
   Rob Millard

1. 
   dreep | Dec 10, 2004 08:31pm | #7

   thanks, rob. Happy Holidays.

2. 
   Froed | Dec 08, 2004 02:26pm | #2

   The first step in rubbing out a finish is levelling, where you remove the imperfections and create a consistent, level surface in preparation for rubbing out (polishing).  I typically brush or pad on shellac, which is fairly easy to level and rub out.  The links below give a lot more detail.  If you have enough build on your finish, try levelling and see what you get.  Since it's shellac, it'll be no problem putting on another few coats if you don't think it'll work.

   http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/htdocs/rubbingout.htm

   http://antiquerestorers.com/Articles/SAL/rub.htm

1. 
   bones | Dec 08, 2004 03:30pm | #3

   Thanks for the Links. I'm a newbie to finishing and have been looking for this type of information.

3. 
   Yersmay | Dec 08, 2004 07:39pm | #4

   There's a very interesting write-up about shellac that maintains the usual methods of rub-out don't apply to shellac... See what you think.
   http://johnjacobmickley.net/Shop%20pages/Finishing%20Frame.htm
   Good luck!