Priory Polishes Shellac French Polish – 1 Litre

Description

Priory Polishes Shellac French Polish has been created using the finest quality Shellac flakes and produces a rich, warm finish. Our Priory Polishes Shellac French Polish is widely used by traditional antique furniture restorers, clock restorers and modern cabinet makers to produce a beautiful gloss sheen. Our Button Polish is an easy to use wood finish and is suitable on all woods from Oak, Rosewood, Mahogany and Walnut. This type of polish is usually applied using a traditional polishing rubber pad lubricated with Linseed Oil or by using a special Soft Hair Polishing Brush.

Application of Shellac French Polish

1. Ensure the wood that is going to be French Polished is clean, dry and free from dust and dirt etc. If needed, stain your timber to the suitable shade and then seal using Our Shellac Sanding Sealer, using a Soft Hair Polishing Brush to gain a nice even base coat. Always apply in the direction of the grain.
2. Once this is dry you can then lightly de-nib the piece using a very fine sanding pad and wipe off any dust before further application.
3. Next, apply a thin coat of French Polish using the Soft Hair Polishing Brush or for an even finish start building up coats of polish using the rubber in the direction of the grain. Always let it fully dry between coats.
4. When French Polish is being applied, Shellac can be sticky; therefore can be difficult to glide across the woods surface. To solve this problem, apply a very small amount of Linseed Oil on to the outer surface of the rubber pad before each use. Do not use oil on your final finishing coats as you need to work the oil out for the best finish.
5. For experienced French Polishers, there are various motions for applying polish with a pad. There are straight strokes which must follow the grain. Interlocking figure of eight motions for building up layers of polish. Wide circles for initially spreading the polish. Begin applying extremely thin layers of shellac to the piece working in random, circular motions with firm, but even pressure on the wood. This thin layer of shellac will dry very quickly, so you can actually apply a number of thin layers in one session. When the pad requires reloading, simply remove the pad and add more Shellac to the core. You would leave the piece as long as possible to dry, probably overnight to be safe, before applying further coats. Remember to always place your pad in an airtight container to save it for the next session. Literally hundreds of passes all over the surface of the wood can be required to complete this step, until you are happy with the right level of sheen you want to achieve. You can de-nib in-between coats if necessary and always finish in the direction of the grain.
6. Once you are happy with the results, we recommend finishing with a coat of Priory Polishes Finishing Bees Wax Furniture Polish as this will provide a further protective barrier and enhance the natural beauty of your finish.
7. For more detailed instructions on French Polishing please see our Guide to French Polishing.

We also supply a French Polishing Kit which includes everything you would need to complete your project.

Questions and Answers

What is shellac French polish used for?

Shellac French polish is used to create a traditional high-gloss finish on wooden furniture and decorative wood surfaces. It enhances the natural grain of the wood and produces a warm, rich appearance often used in antique furniture restoration and fine woodworking.

How do you apply shellac French polish to wood?

Shellac French polish is typically applied using a polishing pad (also called a rubber) or a soft brush like a Zorino Mop. The polish is applied in multiple thin layers, gradually building up the finish until a smooth, glossy surface is achieved.

What type of wood can French polish be used on?

French polish works well on many hardwoods including oak, walnut, mahogany, cherry, and maple. It highlights the natural colour and grain pattern of the wood while creating a smooth polished surface.

Is shellac French polish suitable for antique furniture restoration?

Yes. Shellac French polish is widely used in antique furniture restoration because it provides a traditional finish that matches the original polishing techniques used on many classic pieces.

How many coats of French polish are needed?

French polishing involves building up many very thin layers rather than applying a few thick coats. Depending on the wood and the desired gloss level, several passes may be required to achieve the final finish.

How long does shellac French polish take to dry?

Shellac dries relatively quickly compared with many modern finishes. Thin layers can dry within minutes, but it is often recommended to allow more drying time between polishing sessions to achieve the best results.

Does shellac French polish protect wood furniture?

Yes. Shellac French polish provides a protective finish that helps seal the wood surface while enhancing its appearance. It protects against minor wear while maintaining a traditional look.

Can beginners use shellac French polish?

Beginners can use shellac French polish, although the traditional French polishing technique takes practice. Starting with thin coats and building the finish gradually can help beginners achieve good results.

Do you need to prepare wood before applying French polish?

Yes. The wood surface should be clean, smooth, and dust-free before applying French polish. Light sanding and sealing the wood can help create a smoother base for the polish.

What tools are needed for French polishing?

Common tools used for French polishing include:

• A polishing pad or rubber
• Soft polishing cloth
• Linseed oil for lubrication
• Fine sandpaper for surface preparation
• a good quality french polishing brush

These tools help create the smooth, layered finish associated with traditional French polishing.

Can shellac French polish be used on new wood?

Yes. French polish works very well on new wood surfaces and is often used by cabinet makers and woodworkers to enhance the appearance of freshly crafted furniture.

What finish does shellac French polish produce?

Shellac French polish produces a deep, glossy finish that highlights the natural beauty of wood grain. The finish is known for its warm tone and smooth reflective surface.

Is French polish better than modern wood finishes?

French polish is valued for its traditional appearance and depth of finish. While modern finishes may offer greater durability, French polish is often preferred for high-quality furniture and restoration work.

Can shellac French polish be repaired easily?

This depends on the damage. For minor repairs you can try Polish reviver to clean and revive the finish. If the damage is quite significant, you can try lightly de-nibbing with a fine sanding pad and additional polish can be applied to restore or refresh the surface without stripping the entire finish. Alternatively, you may need to strip back to bare wood and re-polish.

How do you clean brushes or tools after using shellac polish?

Brushes, pads, and tools used for shellac French polish should be cleaned using methylated spirits before the shellac dries to prevent the product from hardening on the equipment.

Please note All equipment must be cleaned whilst wet with Methylated Spirits. Always test in a small inconspicuous area first to ensure you are happy with the results. Always wear protective gloves when using this product.

Safety Data Sheets

• Safety Data Sheet