French Polish Progressing along

[jrc127]

I have about 4 full sessions on now and it's building nicely. See pic attached. I'm thinking 8-10 sessions, but how do you know when it's built up enough?

[tippie53]

looks good

[johnnparchem]

Your french polish looks really good. I asked Robbie O'brienwhen to stop and he said you stop just before your arms drop off. I stopped when I felt I was done. I know I do more than four sessions. I do not think I do as many as 10.

[jrc127]

...not yet at the point where my arms are worn out but getting there....


I did a fifth session last night and the depth isn't there yet but getting there... I guess part of the skill is knowing when it's where you want it and can level the final session without having to touch up spots....

[tippie53]

can't wait to see that one

[jrc127]

uh oh, John, sounds like I'm shooting for the moon.... 8)

[Kevin Sjostrand]

It does look like you're doing a very nice job of it there James.
Let us know when your arm is off, uh, er, when your done!

Kevin

[David L]

Beautiful french polish!!!

David L

[johnnparchem]

...not yet at the point where my arms are worn out but getting there....

Robbie was very specific, not worn out, but falling out.

After finishing bodying I do about three sessions spiriting off. This really evened out the look. When I spirit off I have a fairly wet pad. no drips or puddles! but wet enough that when I started to spirit off with just alcohol the first light pressure strokes look a bit wet. I only do longways strokes. I keep at it only applying more pressure as the pad drys out. At the end of each of these sessions the pad is dry and with a good amount of pressure I am burnishing the finish.

[jrc127]

...After finishing bodying I do about three sessions spiriting off. ...

John, I think you hit on a solution to the small (micro) ridges that run lengthwise on the back...not enough to show from 2 feet away and not even that obvious real close but it definitely was not flat enough IMO

I did spirit off after each session but I don't think quite long enough nor did I apply enough pressure to actually burnish. So, tonight I lightly scuffed surface with 800 w/d paper and turpentine. Then applied more shellac. It's much flatter now. I'll try your method....