Materials Needed for French Polishing

Hello again, wood restoration enthusiasts! Today at WoodFixers, we’re equipping you with the essential toolkit for your journey into the world of French polishing. Grab a notebook and let’s check off these must-haves together!

Your French Polishing Materials Checklist

Here’s everything you need to set yourself up for French polishing success:

• Shellac Flakes: The star of the show! These are dissolved in denatured alcohol to create your French polish.
• Denatured Alcohol (also known as Methylated Spirit): This is what you’ll use to dissolve your shellac flakes.
• Rubber (Polishing Pad): No, not that kind! In French polishing, a rubber is a pad, often made of cotton, that’s used to apply the polish.
• Mineral or Olive Oil: This acts as a lubricant during the polishing process.
• Sandpaper: You’ll need this to prep your wood surface before polishing. We recommend starting with a higher grit and working your way down to finer grits for a smooth finish.
• Cotton Cloth: Useful for making your rubber and for wiping down your piece during the process.

Remember, Safety First!

As with any DIY project, safety should always be a priority. When French polishing, make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and consider using gloves and eye protection.

Conclusion

And that’s your basic kit for French polishing! With these materials in hand, you’re all set to start your journey into this classic technique.

Of course, if you’d rather leave the polishing to the professionals, the team at WoodFixers is always on hand to help with all your wood restoration needs.

Join us next time for more tips, advice, and insights from your friends at WoodFixers.