How To Make French Polish 
In the above video clip
Nigel is commentating whilst Dan, one of Wheathills'
Finishers is demonstrating the art of mixing Shellac
flakes and methylated spirits. The Button Polish that
is being created finishes with a deep golden orange
shade.
The ability to control
the Shellac during an application is essential to maintain
or enhance the original finish of a timber’s colour
and condition. Blending the various grades of Shellac,
from Garnet (the rawest version) to Transparent, the
most refined version, can help enormously in achieving
the desired shade and depth of finish. For its own Conservation
and Restoration projects Wheathills use Orange Shellac,
Lemon Shellac and Pale Shellac which can be mixed with
Methylated Spirits either separately, or together to
provide a vast variety of colours and shades.
The desired end colour
of the French Polish is dependant upon many factors
for example the density of the timber or the piece’s
construction period come into the reckoning as well,
but creating a measured, repeatable steeping Button
Shellac allows an essential element of control from
one restoration / conservation job to the next.
The weight of the shellac
mix is of paramount importance, 4 lb of Shellac to 1
pint of Methylated Spirits is a very heavy mixture and
can be useful in creating various glazes;
2 1/4 lb of Shellac to 1 pint of Meths is a general
weight suitable for general restoration projects;
1 lb of Shellac to 1 pint of Meths is an excellent weight
for fine Conservation work.
Now that Nigel is less
'hands-on' due to his managerial role, Dan is the Head
French Polisher at Wheathills and has worked on National
treasures such as Somersall
Hall, Lincoln
Crown Court , the restoration
of a Chippendale piece, and will be overseeing all
of the French Polishing and finishing to the interior
of the Brighton
Belle Pullman carriages that Wheathills is currently
restoring.
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