French Polishing Nooks and Crannies

[Luke Maddux]

Pretty straightforward thread and question here.

I've recently been developing my French Polishing skills. I've got the obvious surfaces down, but those tight spots are still tough. I'm interested in hearing anyone's take on the best way to get a good finish in those hard to reach spots.

So how do you do it? How have you seen others do it?

Any feedback at all on the topic is greatly appreciated, as are links to videos or previous discussions of the topic.

If it matters, I use a 1lb cut orange shellac that I mix myself.

Thanks a lot in advance,
Luke

[rob streeper]

I use orange wood sticks as sold for finger nail finishing. Check eBay, 100 pieces go for about $2US.

[Xanthorrhoeas]

For fine detailed carvings and deep cut turnings I use very fine natural hair varnishing brushes, as used for gilding work. The brand that I have found is Leonhardy and one supplier in Australia (Victoria) who will freight to you is The Gold Leaf Factory International Pty Ltd The Gold leaf Factory International | Manufacturer of Fine Gold leaf | Art Supplies | Artists Materials. [email protected]

The squirrel hair brushes are OK but the skunk hair brushes give a better finish. The brushes that I use are around the 1 inch size or larger but they have some very fine-tipped brushes too.

Their instructions say that you do not have to completely remove the shellac from the brush after use - just let it harden and keep it somewhere dry and clean. I keep mine in a small box so they are dry and dust-free.

It is worth talking to the company as I cannot always find what I want on their website.

Disclosure: I have no financial or other affiliation with them but have purchased brushes from them.

David

[Luke Maddux]

I use orange wood sticks as sold for finger nail finishing. Check eBay, 100 pieces go for about $2US.

Rob,

So you apply the Shellac with a wooden stick? Could you elaborate a bit more on this?

Thanks a lot,
Luke

[rob streeper]

I wrap the tip of the stick with a bit of flannel, dip it into the hot shellac solution and wipe the area. I use the same technique but with an oiled cloth to rub.