I'm having some confusion about the French polishing process. I've applied seven coats of shellac, but I'm not sure how to create the polishing pad. I've read that I should use shirt material wrapped around some wadded-up shirt fabric and steel wool. My question is, what should I soak the pad with? Is it denatured alcohol, shellac, or both? Also, once the shellac on my project is dry, what should be my next steps?
1 Answer
French polishing is all about technique, so first off, great job on those seven coats! For your pad, instead of steel wool, I suggest using just absorbent cotton inside. It holds liquid better, making it easier to keep your pad saturated while you're polishing. When you're ready to use the pad, soak it with a mix of shellac and some denatured alcohol to help it apply smoothly. Just keep it moving to get an even finish!
I agree with PolishMaster99 about the cotton instead of steel wool! Plus, trying to find a video that explains the whole process can be tough. Sometimes the best way is to just experiment and see what works for you.