[lorax]

Has anyone done this, or a variation on a carving? I am doing a family crest in mahogany, and I am finishing with shellac for that old authentic look (it sounded like a good idea at the time) I am using the premixed shellac, and it's ok, but I would like it to be just a little it to be a little better than it is turning out. So I thought I would do a varied version of french polishing by going over the top of what I have done with some pumice, and shellac and alcohol. I know it is normally a great fininsh for a flat surface, but would it mess up a carved finish, or be no better than what I have. I know you might say to try it on a test piece, but I really dont want to buy all that stuff just to find out it wont work. thanks Pat

[mark yundt]

As you have said ,It's great for a flat surface. The reason it works so well is you are able to burnish with sufficient heat (friction) and abrasive to really smooth out the surface. I haven't tried it,,but I would imagine the difficult areas would be the nooks and crannies found on a typical carving. This might add to an antiqued or aged type look,,and I'm sure finishers in the past found ways around it,,or left the shellac as is in those areas and lived with it. This might lend itself nicely to a contrast of gloss between the highlights and the crevices and lead to an interesting finish.

[hruukki]

This seems to be from february so maybe nobody's interested any more - but I'm going to try the french polishing idea for a carving. I'll let you know how it turns out. Oh yes now I remember - I tried the french polish for something some time ago. I added a bit too much linseed oil - and too late - so it was left on top. I think I'll try that on the carving - I mean adding more BLO than needed. It won't give as glossy finish, but will give me some time to work. Better for nooks and crannies I suppose.

[Tom H]

I use the French Polish method when completing carved animals for Noahs Arks. Instead of hand padding, I use a 4 inch cotton fabric buffing wheel. The results are quite nice. Use a light touch with any delicate parts and a heavier touch with the heavier parts.

Tom H