sequoia
Well-known member
I'm making a new thread here because I think this French polish technique has real merit and could be an option and I wanted to show the results. Oh, and also I wanted to show off my latest uke which turned out rather well I think.
Basically, this was a shellac based finish using alcohol mixed with acetone to make a highly dilute solution of shellac which flashes off in seconds. The solution is applied in a continuous way that lays down extremely thin layers quickly and does not use oil. The build is thin but fast. In theory, a French polish could be done in one day.
The reality was a bit different. Here are my observations. First the good:
- The toxicity was low and the fumes manageable with a fan. No moonsuit and respirator needed like nitro.
- Since the solution was so thin it was hard to screw up with runs, fisheyes, etc. etc. Very forgiving.
- No spray equipment needed
- Cheap: Cost in materials per ukulele about $US 2.00 dollars.
- No oil used so no "spiriting off" steps needed
- Burn in is good because of the high solvent level and adhesion good
- Pleasant and enjoyable to apply in a Zen sort of way without the monotony of a hard core French polish
Now for the drawbacks:
- Lot of flammable fumes in the shop. No sparks. No smoking for sure
- Sticking was an occasional problem. But you just move on and come back later.
- dry times after a session is still an issue. Quicker but as coats build there is still dry time.
- Really darkens the wood (see pictures) as the solvent penetrates deeply. Not necessarily a bad things as it pulls deep grain.
- Final dry time before final level sand and polish is forever just like a traditional French polish. It can be polished "green" but I did the sniff test and it took better than 2 weeks.
So the results. A local California bay laurel top with mahogany and coco binding. Check out the cool 3-d effect on the laurel. Pictures don't do it justice. Oh, and how does it sound? Make yo mama cry it's so sweet.
Basically, this was a shellac based finish using alcohol mixed with acetone to make a highly dilute solution of shellac which flashes off in seconds. The solution is applied in a continuous way that lays down extremely thin layers quickly and does not use oil. The build is thin but fast. In theory, a French polish could be done in one day.
The reality was a bit different. Here are my observations. First the good:
- The toxicity was low and the fumes manageable with a fan. No moonsuit and respirator needed like nitro.
- Since the solution was so thin it was hard to screw up with runs, fisheyes, etc. etc. Very forgiving.
- No spray equipment needed
- Cheap: Cost in materials per ukulele about $US 2.00 dollars.
- No oil used so no "spiriting off" steps needed
- Burn in is good because of the high solvent level and adhesion good
- Pleasant and enjoyable to apply in a Zen sort of way without the monotony of a hard core French polish
Now for the drawbacks:
- Lot of flammable fumes in the shop. No sparks. No smoking for sure
- Sticking was an occasional problem. But you just move on and come back later.
- dry times after a session is still an issue. Quicker but as coats build there is still dry time.
- Really darkens the wood (see pictures) as the solvent penetrates deeply. Not necessarily a bad things as it pulls deep grain.
- Final dry time before final level sand and polish is forever just like a traditional French polish. It can be polished "green" but I did the sniff test and it took better than 2 weeks.
So the results. A local California bay laurel top with mahogany and coco binding. Check out the cool 3-d effect on the laurel. Pictures don't do it justice. Oh, and how does it sound? Make yo mama cry it's so sweet.