Description

Bring your woodworking projects to life with Chestnut Friction Polish, a premium shellac-based wood polish designed to produce a stunning high-gloss finish in seconds. Favoured by professional woodturners and hobbyists alike, this fast-drying polish enhances the natural beauty of timber while creating a rich, deep shine with minimal effort.

Designed for use both on and off the lathe, Friction Polish is ideal for smaller woodworking projects including pens, bowls, goblets, boxes, ornaments and decorative turned items. When applied with the lathe running, the heat generated through friction cures the finish almost instantly, allowing multiple coats to be built quickly for an exceptional gloss.

For the very best results, apply over a sanding sealer such as Chestnut Products Cellulose Sanding Sealer to create an ultra-smooth base and improve the depth and clarity of the final finish.

Why Choose Chestnut Products Friction Polish?

✔ Produces a deep, mirror-like gloss

✔ Fast drying shellac-based formula

✔ Ideal for woodturning projects

✔ Suitable for use on or off the lathe

✔ Easy to apply

✔ Enhances natural wood grain

✔ Builds multiple coats quickly

✔ Professional quality finish

✔ Perfect for decorative timber

✔ Trusted by woodturners worldwide

Key Features

High Gloss Finish

Creates a beautiful, crystal-clear shine that enhances the colour and grain of natural wood.

Fast Drying Formula

The shellac-based formula dries almost instantly when applied with friction on a spinning lathe, allowing projects to be completed quickly.

Easy Application

Can be applied using a soft cloth while the lathe is running or rubbed into timber by hand using traditional French polishing techniques.

Professional Results

Produces a smooth, glossy finish suitable for gifts, display pieces and decorative woodworking.

Excellent Grain Enhancement

Brings out the natural depth, figure and colour of hardwoods and softwoods.

Ideal Applications

Chestnut Products Friction Polish is perfect for:

• Woodturning
• Pens
• Bottle stoppers
• Bowls
• Goblets
• Decorative boxes
• Spindles
• Christmas decorations
• Wooden gifts
• Craft projects
• Display pieces
• Small furniture details

Compatible With

For the best finish, use after:

• Cellulose Sanding Sealer
• Acrylic Sanding Sealer
• Burnishing Cream

It can also be polished further using Burnishing Cream for an even brighter gloss.

How To Apply Friction Polish

On the Lathe

1. Sand the timber smooth.
2. Apply a sanding sealer if desired.
3. Buff the sealer smooth.
4. Apply a small amount of Friction Polish to a clean cloth.
5. With the lathe running, lightly press the cloth against the workpiece.
6. Allow the friction to generate heat, curing the polish almost instantly.
7. Apply additional thin coats for a deeper gloss.

Off the Lathe

1. Apply using a clean lint-free cloth.
2. Rub into the timber using circular motions.
3. Continue polishing until a high shine develops.
4. Repeat if a deeper finish is required.

Technical Information

Finish: High Gloss

Base: Shellac

Application:

• Cloth
• On the lathe
• Off the lathe (French polishing style)

Drying Time: Almost instant when used on a lathe

Suitable For:

• Hardwood
• Softwood
• Decorative timber
• Interior woodwork

Benefits of Using Friction Polish

Using Friction Polish provides several advantages:

• Produces a rich professional shine
• Highlights natural grain patterns
• Dries exceptionally quickly
• Easy to repair and refresh
• Excellent for small turned items
• Multiple coats can be applied in minutes
• Smooth, glass-like appearance
• Professional woodturning finish

Why Woodturners Love Friction Polish

Friction Polish has been a favourite among woodturners for decades because it delivers outstanding results quickly. The shellac-rich formula seals the timber while producing a beautiful gloss, making it ideal for decorative projects where appearance is the priority. It is particularly popular for pens, ornaments and smaller turned items where speed and finish quality are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Friction Polish?

Friction Polish is a shellac-based finishing polish that creates a high-gloss decorative finish on wood, especially on turned items.

Can I use Friction Polish without a sanding sealer?

Yes, but using a sanding sealer first usually produces a smoother, glossier finish and reduces absorption.

Is Friction Polish suitable for woodturning?

Yes. It is specifically designed for woodturners and is one of the most popular finishes for pens, bowls, goblets and decorative projects.

Can it be applied off the lathe?

Yes. It can be applied by hand using a cloth in a similar manner to French polishing, although it requires more effort.

Is Friction Polish durable?

It provides an attractive decorative finish that is ideal for display items and light-use projects. For surfaces subject to heavy wear or moisture, a more durable lacquer or oil finish may be more suitable.

How many coats should I apply?

Two to four thin coats usually provide an excellent high-gloss finish.

Can I use Burnishing Cream with Friction Polish?

Yes. Burnishing Cream can be used to further enhance the gloss and smoothness of the finished surface.

Is it suitable for large bowls?

It works best on smaller projects. Larger bowls and platters can be more difficult to polish evenly while turning.

Can it be used on hardwoods and softwoods?

Yes. It performs well on most hardwoods and softwoods, enhancing the natural figure and grain.

Does Friction Polish seal the wood?

Yes. The shellac content helps seal the timber while creating a decorative glossy finish.