Well, I shall explain,
Using
Shellac sanding sealer when applied properly seals the wood grain and sets the
stain from streaking prior to the French polishing.
A good application of sanding sealer is
very important, why? If applied too wet
it will then take a very long time to dry, and therefore you will not be able
to continue with your finishing.
It can be applied by brush; I prefer to
use a polisher’s mop brush for this purpose as it has very fine hairs and
produces a nice even coating.
Or you can apply using mutton cloth; I
like this method as I find it works well with turned work as I can push the
sealer into the twists and turns. Etc.
Always build up a good body of sanding
sealer and this will save you hours of polishing time when you start to use the
French polish with a rubber.
Remember to always keep your brushes
clean and soak them using Methylated spirits when not in use or during your
project.
If you are using the mutton cloth method
remember to store it in an airtight container or your cloth will soon dry out
and become useless.
Don’t forget to shake the container
prior to and during use as this product needs to be kept well mixed as some of
the contents sink to the bottom of the container. (Always ensure that the lid is secure before
shaking up).
Apply in the direction of the grain as
this will cut down the risk of cross-grain stain streaking should you apply too
wet.
The sealer works well if applied in thin
coats or likewise with the mutton cloth method.
Most polishers’ use the inside of the
rubber which is made from cotton wool and this is then called a fad. I have never been very keen on this method,
as the cotton wool even though it has been in use in the rubber for some time, always seems to become tacky and then bits of the cotton wool starts sticking
to the surface of the furniture. Just my
opinion!
