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French polish question, stiffing and spiriting off.
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Author:  Rod True [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:00 pm ]
Post subject:  French polish question, stiffing and spiriting off.
I've completed session 2 today and I have to say that I'm really liking the look of the french polished shellac bliss

I do have another question though. When stiffing and spiriting off, I find that the pad "chatters" in the waist area. How do I avoid this as I'm sure it's creating tiny ridges which will just build up over time.

I'm really having fun with this. I guess it's really for some people and for other's it's not their thing. I love seeing the finish build and I'm only just finished the second session.

By the way, I know the Milburn tutorial says 6-8 sessions but what do most of you who FP do as far as sessions go. I'd really like to make sure the finish is thick enough but not to thick :D
Author:  Michael Dale Payne [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 4:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: French polish question, stiffing and spiriting off.
Rod True wrote:
I've completed session 2 today and I have to say that I'm really liking the look of the french polished shellac bliss

I do have another question though. When stiffing and spiriting off, I find that the pad "chatters" in the waist area. How do I avoid this as I'm sure it's creating tiny ridges which will just build up over time.

I'm really having fun with this. I guess it's really for some people and for other's it's not their thing. I love seeing the finish build and I'm only just finished the second session.

By the way, I know the Milburn tutorial says 6-8 sessions but what do most of you who FP do as far as sessions go. I'd really like to make sure the finish is thick enough but not to thick :D


You can lighten up a tad as you go through the waist. It also does not hurt any thing if the first few spiriting off sessions on the sides had a light touch of oil to help prevent this. But the closer to the last few spiriting off sessions prior to glazing don't ad oil

typically 6 body sessions a if I want real high gloss 3-4 or more glazing sessions.

So you like this do ya :D It can become addicting
Author:  Rod True [ Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: French polish question, stiffing and spiriting off.
Thanks Michael, that's what I ended up doing was change the speed and pressure.

The pressure and the "load" of the pad sure seems to be the key to laying down the shellac and making sure each session amalgamates with the previous session's shellac (I know you don't like to say layers and I understand that it's just one thick[rather thin] layer of finish) laid down.

And one more question :) what is your typical schedule? As in when do you attach the neck and glue on the bridge? How long do you let the finish harden before final assembly and set up?

Thanks again

I think I might be becoming a French Polish Junkie :D
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