French polish

French polishing is a wood finishing technique that results in a very high gloss surface, with a deep colour and chatoyancy.

French polishing consists of applying many thin coats of shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol using a rubbing pad lubricated with one of a variety of oils.

The finish is softer than modern varnishes and lacquers, and is particularly sensitive to spills of water or alcohol, which may produce white cloudy marks, as does heat damage.

This slightly melts the sprayed surface and has the effect of filling the grain and burnishing at the same time to leave a 'French polished' look.

[citation needed] Another reason shellac fell from favour is its tendency to melt under low heat; for example, hot cups can leave marks on it.

The finish is obtained through a specific combination of different rubbing motions (generally circles and figure-eights), waiting for considerable time, building up layers of polish and then spiriting off any streaks left in the surface.

Once fully dry, thicker coats follow with small amounts of superfine pumice, a crushed volcanic glass.

Although boiled linseed oil is commonly used as a wood treatment, it is too viscous to use for French polishing [citation needed].