Reply to Jason

Thank you for your varied and interesting questions, I shall go through them and answer as best I can.

So you are polishing a Radio cabinet, and that you are using black polish and having difficulties well let's have a go.

I very rarely use Black polish however, as I refuse to purchase 5 Litres of the stuff therefore I make my own.  I use Spirit Black powder and mix it with French polish diluted with some Methylated spirits and in  doing so, allows the polish to keep for ages in the container from becoming tacky and helps the polish to flow in the grain of the wood rather than sit on the top.

Yes, you can purchase Spirit Black powder from a good French polish supplier or failing that there are some very good Art shops in London that have it.  If you can't find it let me know and I will give you the details. (Can't advertise them here)

I use Methylated Spirits applied to my rubber during the last stages of French polishing to remove the oil.

I have not used Naphtha so I can't comment, it sounds too harsh and best avoided.

I only use Methylated Spirits when finishing off.  Never use White Spirits as this is not compatible with French polish.

Yes, I have tried Olive oil and yes it dose work, but I have only used it when I have run out of Linseed oil, Olive oil works well but I think not as good as Linseed oil.

Rotten stone, again I haven't used during French polishing however, I have used it to age wood, as when placed in drawers or inside  cabinets it gives that dusty appearance and it is hard to tell if the dust has been there years or days?

Stay away from rotten stone, you would be better off using Pumice powder inside your rubber, as it acts like a very fine grinding powder for a truly flat and smooth finish.

I hope that I have covered all your queries?  Let me know if not, and I shall do my best to answer you again.

Thanks for reading my Blogs, good luck on your Radio cabinet.
Regards,
Andrew.