French Polish Part VII Applying Shellac

This video shows how to apply shellac using the French Polishing method. At this point any grain filling should have already been done, and the surface level and ready for shellac. The demonstration and (lots of) discussion will show how to apply the shellac with the rubber to make a very nice, smooth, and high gloss finish.
This method primarily covers how to polish without mineral oil as a lubricant. I discovered this method in my learning phase and though it takes a bit longer it works well. The next video will cover how to apply the shellac using mineral oil as well, which is the traditional approach.

[@learnerlearns]

Really good video on this simple yet sometimes confusing technique!
I appreciate the way you explain things simple, yet not "dumbed down."
The photography is adequate, and your demonstration is clear.
Good stuff!

[@aaronanthonymoat]

I have only done french polishing briefly and found your technque very usefull for finishing my guitar. Thanks a mill

[@sixgunguitars]

I appreciate the thanks, and I'm glad I was able to help. French Polish is a great technique and once you do it a couple times the mystery completely unravels and you become a pro pretty quick. I hope your project turned out well.

[@CirclesWoodshop]

I appreciate your videos. I'm not making guitars but I feel as though I'm learning methods for working a finish on my projects.

[@twohandband]

Nice detailed presentation.

[@bowyer10]

good work thanks for taking the time.

[@sixgunguitars]

The layering is traditionally done with many many thin applications, however I've "cheated" and gone on a little thicker and had alright results with it. I don't think it turns out quite as nice as the 1-2lb cut does, but in a pinch it works.

[@KurreStenback]

Hi Brian,
For me Filling the pores / grains, getting to the french polishing and using the the PLAIN (home made) shellac!
Now, that IS what I had to get back to the UA-cam and I got your video's - and that made may day man!
PS But the 20 and the 30 pound cut? I am in the metric system. And then - here in Finland, no high grade alcohol. And for that - I can get it from Estonia.
Here it is X 80% proof with water.
And my "mineral oil" is / I am using the boiled linseed oil. Is that OK for you?

[@RascalKyng]

I have seen folks use not a 1lb-2lb cut, but dive right with thicker layers and skip a lot of the bodying by just leveling/sanding their thicker layer they dove into... Is this fine, or is important to do all the 1lb cut layers and build up?