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French Polishing Demystified

Mark Schofield, managing editor

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Too often in life an "expert" seeks to make a technique or process seem more complicated than it really is. Sometimes this is because they aren't really an expert in that field and are merely passing on second hand knowledge, at other times I think it is merely to make themselves appear more important. It was gratifying to watch Vijay Velji's DVD French Polish Like a Pro. Not only is it a mere 30 mins, unlike some multi-hour marathons I've sat through, but it clearly explains the process of French polishing from surface preparation to final burnishing. Velji is an importer of shellac flakes from India so he knows the raw material, and he is at pains to debunk the myth that a shellac finish is vulnerable to water and alcohol, even sacrificing some of his single malt scotch!

Using a beautiful demilune card table as a prop, Velji shows you how to fill the wood's pores, how to make and use a polishing pad, how to build the body of the finish, and how to burnish the surface. The final result is so beautiful you want to run out to the shop and start polishing right away.

The DVD is available for $24.95 plus $5.10 s&h from www.shellacfinishes.biz.

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Comments (5)

inch writes: We have had the privilege of restoring and conserving furniture for the last 25 years., and French polished pieces are among our favorites. It's great to see Veejay demystify it and simplify it. Beware.. it can become highly addictive, and is absolutely beautiful and simple..


Posted: 9:43 pm on October 15th

inch writes: We have had the privilege of restoring and conserving all types and styles of furniture for the last 25 years. A French polish finish is among our favorites. It's great to see Veejay demystify it.. Beware.. once it's learned it's highly addictive and is absolutely the most beautiful finish! Posted: 9:26 pm on October 15th

jweisgram writes: I visted the shellacfinishes.biz website; it has some basic dewaxed shellac offerings at *very* good prices. Posted: 9:07 pm on October 15th

abramcos writes: I grew up using French polish, linseed, oil, Methylated sprits and wadding and I must say that that warm glow after it was all done cannot be matched by any of the finishes today. Posted: 7:52 pm on October 15th

WoodworkerBill writes: Veejay is a member and sponsor of our San Diego Fine Woodworkers Association. He is also a frequent quest lecturer at our Palomar College woodworking department, and is always on call to answer questions about shellac finishing and woodworking. I have seen the CD and believe it belongs in every serious woodworker's video library, whether they use shellac on a regular basis, or need the information at their fingertips "just in case." Posted: 9:57 pm on October 14th

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