FRENCH POLISH is kind of fun. with each successive application the wood takes on richer hues and depth. An application only takes about fifteen minutes per instrument so it is not taking up all of ones time, but the rewards are wonderful. Especially with Koa which just seems to love being finished. I have only four coats on this uke but already it glows. I will add applications until the finish seems thick enough, then sand it gently with wet dry paper in a very fine grit in order to level out any waves or ripples, then more applications , another sanding, and finally the last coats of a thinner mixture of shellac and alcohol. When it is done the work will have been worth it in the feeling of beauty and rich texture.
French polish is simply a matter of dissolving shellac flakes in denatured alcohol to the proper dilution, then applying it with a device made of wool material covered with cotton called a Munica (rag doll in Spanish). Onto the Munica you apply eight drops of the shellac solution, three drops of alcohol and a tiny touch of olive oil for lubrication Then you rub and rub while watching beauty emerge. Beyond it's beauty, the reason it is worth the effort is its extremely thin coating over the sound wood. French Polish is considered the very best acoustic finish for fine instruments.
French polish is simply a matter of dissolving shellac flakes in denatured alcohol to the proper dilution, then applying it with a device made of wool material covered with cotton called a Munica (rag doll in Spanish). Onto the Munica you apply eight drops of the shellac solution, three drops of alcohol and a tiny touch of olive oil for lubrication Then you rub and rub while watching beauty emerge. Beyond it's beauty, the reason it is worth the effort is its extremely thin coating over the sound wood. French Polish is considered the very best acoustic finish for fine instruments.