French Polish queries

[kiwigeo]

I received a PM from Robert with questions regarding french polish. Thought Id put Roberts queries in the public forum as in addition to my own answers those of other members would also be useful"

"I have decided against Nitro Cellulose for my first classical guitar even though I have bought some gear. It seems to dangerous for me. I am going with your advice and doing french polishing. Can you tell me where to get the supplies please? I notice Bunnings has Shallac but I don't know if the quality is adequate. Where do I buy the alcohol? Your usually well considered information would be well received.

thanks, Robert Maxwell"

Robert,

I use blonde or super blonde dewaxed shellac flakes which I get from LMI in the US. I think Liberon also stock a similar product: http://www.liberon.com.au/?act=products&cat=17&prod=79

The Bunnings shellac youre looking at is probably the grotty orange stuff which is not really what I'd be putting on a white spruce top.

For meths I use IMS grade meths which I source from a furniture renovation supplier here in Adelaide. Other members will probably be able to supply details of suppliers closer to where you are.

Cheers Martin

[Nick]

Robert Maxwell= "I am going with your advice and doing french polishing."

Converting more over to the spirit world Martin?

[peter.coombe]

The Bunnings blonde dewaxed shellac should be fine. Bunnings is a bit far for me to go so I don't know if they still stock it. Don't use the orange stuff. I use the dewaxed shellac from LMI and ordinary metho, but if you can get better quality denatured alcohol then use that. You will also need pumice, but I don't know where to get it in Australia. Mine came from Garret Wade many years ago and it will last me out. You don't need much. LMI does have pumice and, one pack will last a lifetime. There is far more to french polishing than the materials. The materials are the easy bit.

[EricDownunder]

Check this site out It might help with what you need and how to do it.
http://www.milburnguitars.com/fpmaterials.html

[H3ytm@n]

Check this site out It might help with what you need and how to do it.
http://www.milburnguitars.com/fpmaterials.html

If you use this link you'll get the pics as well
http://www.milburnguitars.com/fpbannerframes.html

[56nortondomy]

I get my shellac from an ebay store called Endless Green, they have a lot of Liberon stuff, and i get 100% meths from Paint spot. Wayne

[EricDownunder]

You could try these people, got some great looking stuff
http://www.masterartisan.com/membersite ... mberId=327

[kiwigeo]

Robert Maxwell= "I am going with your advice and doing french polishing."

Converting more over to the spirit world Martin?

[Bruce McC]

Goods and Chattels in Ferny Grove Brisbane carry Liberon products
and other French polishing supplies. They sell online.