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Out of many coursenotes7/5/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() In its simplest application, it can be used as a sealer on bare wood, protecting the surface from dirt and giving a low-sheen finish on its own, or it can be a base for a wax finish (wax should never be applied to the bare timber – always seal with shellac first).īut if a deeper sheen is wanted, a number of polishing sessions can be completed with shellac, bringing the surface to a satin finish, and worked until there is a deep glow emerging from the wooden surface.įinally, a fully French polished ‘mirror’ or ‘piano’ surface will be obtained if the layer of shellac is built up sufficiently to allow polishing to a high gloss finish. Shellac is an extremely versatile material. The amount of sanding back, and flattening will be adjusted to suit the type of surface the distorted, uneven surfaces that are often found with old veneered or marquetry work will not be flat, and we cannot attempt to flatten them without destroying the history of the object. The method of preparing the surface differs depending on whether the object is new wood, with level, smooth surfaces, or alternatively an old, perhaps antique piece of furniture, which most likely has uneven surfaces, historic damage and other irregularities which are seen as a virtue and which we should not try to remove. The process is all about developing a way of applying the liquid to obtain a smooth, level surface. Rubber (an absorbent pad made from wool and cloth) ![]() IDA (industrial denatured alcohol, commonly known as methylated spirits) The essential materials used for French polishing are: Always work is a well-ventilated room.įrench polishing is a method of applying varnish (in the form of shellac dissolved in alcohol) to the surface of wooden items, using pads or ‘rubbers', rather than brushes. Wear tight fitting vinyl gloves to avoid getting it on your hands. This industrial alcohol is toxic and must never be ingested. Shellac flakes are dissolved in IDA which is denatured alcohol (clear methylated spirits). When sanding timber surfaces, particularly hardwoods, always wear a dust mask to avoid breathing in dust. ![]()
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