Squirrel Mop

Description

The Squirrel Mop is a traditional, professional-grade French polishing brush made from natural squirrel hair. Its exceptionally soft, fine fibres are designed to hold and distribute liquid finishes smoothly, making it an excellent choice for French polishing, shellac sealers and lacquers.

Used by furniture restorers, French polishers, joiners and woodworkers, the Squirrel Mop provides excellent control when applying fine wood finishes and helps achieve a smooth, even application with minimal brush marking.

The soft hair allows the finish to flow smoothly from the brush onto the timber, helping to produce an even coat and reducing visible brush marks.

• Benefits of a Squirrel Mop
• What is a Squirrel Mop Used For?
• Squirrel Mop for French Polishing
• Applying Shellac & Sealer
• Applying Lacquer
• Squirrel Mop Sizes
• How to Use a Squirrel Mop
• Cleaning & Care
• FAQs
• Please Note

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Benefits of a Squirrel Mop

• Natural squirrel hair – exceptionally soft and fine for delicate finishing work.
• Ideal for French polishing – designed for traditional shellac finishing techniques.
• Smooth application – helps distribute liquid finishes evenly across the surface.
• Low brush marking – the fine, soft fibres help reduce streaks and uneven application.
• Versatile finishing brush – suitable for shellac sealers and lacquers as well as French polish.
• Multiple sizes – available in No. 2 through to No. 12 for different applications.

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What is a Squirrel Mop Used For?

The Squirrel Mop is particularly useful for:

• French polishing furniture
• Applying shellac French polish
• Applying shellac sanding sealer
• Brushing lacquers
• Sealing prepared timber
• Furniture restoration
• Antique furniture restoration
• Fine woodworking and cabinet making
• Detailed and delicate finishing work

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Squirrel Mop for French Polishing

The Squirrel Mop is an important traditional tool for French polishing. Its soft natural hair allows French polish to be brushed onto timber smoothly and evenly, making it particularly useful during the preparation and build-up stages of a traditional French polished finish.

It can be used alongside a French polishing rubber and other traditional French polishing materials to build a deep, lustrous finish on suitable timber.

Priory Polishes also supplies a range of French polishing supplies, including shellac French polishes, sanding sealers, methylated spirit and other specialist brushes.

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Applying Shellac & Sealer

The fine squirrel hair is particularly suitable for applying shellac-based finishes and sanding sealers. The mop holds the liquid finish and releases it evenly onto the prepared timber.

Apply the product in smooth, controlled strokes and avoid repeatedly brushing an area once the finish has started to dry. Building the finish gradually with controlled applications will generally produce a better result than applying excessively heavy coats.

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Applying Lacquer

The Squirrel Mop can also be used for brushing suitable lacquers onto wood. Its soft, fine fibres help provide smooth coverage where a delicate finishing brush is preferred.

Always check that the particular lacquer is suitable for brush application and follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding application, drying and cleaning.

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Squirrel Mop Sizes

This is available in a range of sizes to suit different finishing requirements:

• No. 2
• No. 4
• No. 6
• No. 8
• No. 10
• No. 12

Choosing the appropriate size depends on the area being finished and the amount of control required. A smaller mop is useful for more precise work, while larger sizes are better suited to covering broader areas.

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How to Use a Squirrel Mop

1. Ensure the timber is properly prepared, clean and free from dust.
2. Prepare the French polish, shellac sealer or compatible lacquer according to its instructions.
3. Load the Mop evenly with a suitable amount of finish.
4. Apply the finish using smooth, controlled strokes.
5. Work methodically across the surface and avoid excessive brushing.
6. Allow the finish to dry or flash off as required before applying further coats.
7. Clean the mop promptly after use with the appropriate cleaner or solvent for the product used.

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Cleaning & Care

Good brush care is particularly important with a fine natural-hair brush. Clean the Squirrel Mop promptly after use and do not allow shellac, lacquer or other finishing products to dry in the hairs.

Use the appropriate cleaning solvent for the finishing product being applied, then gently reshape the hairs and allow the brush to dry properly before storing.

Avoid crushing or bending the fine hairs during storage, as maintaining the shape and softness of the mop helps preserve its performance for delicate finishing work.

Use methylated spirit to clean brushes after using Shellac finishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Squirrel Mop used for?

A Squirrel Mop is primarily used for French polishing, applying shellac sealers and brushing suitable lacquers. It is a specialist brush for fine wood finishing.

Is a Squirrel Mop good for French polishing?

Yes. The soft natural squirrel hair is particularly well suited to applying shellac and French polish smoothly and evenly.

Can I use a Squirrel Mop with shellac sanding sealer?

Yes. This is ideal to apply suitable shellac sanding sealers to prepared timber.

Can a Squirrel Mop be used for lacquer?

Yes, it can be used for suitable brush-applied lacquers. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before application.

What sizes are available?

The sizes are available in No. 2, No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, No. 10 and No. 12.

What is the difference between a Squirrel Mop and a Squirrel Pencil Brush?

The Squirrel Mop is designed for broader fine-finishing applications, while the Squirrel Pencil Brush has a pointed shape and is better suited to detailed, precise work and small areas.

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Please Note

Always test your finishing product and application technique on a suitable sample or inconspicuous area before working on valuable or antique furniture. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the particular French polish, shellac, sealer or lacquer being used.