Abrasive to Rub Back Shellac

[thumbsucker]

I have put down about 10 coats of 1/4 pound cut of shellac as a sanding sealer.

I used Tripoli powder as a grain filler on red oak. It has been curing for a week now.

I am now looking to rub it back to remove any imperfections in the base coat.

My research says that Tripoli powder is about #1200 grit. Is this True?

I am looking at 3M™ Aluminum Oxide Films 3µ (about 4000x) & the 1µ (8000x)

Or should I use something else? like Superfine Rubbing Pad, per foot 3M™ Rubbing Pads

I then plan to build up the body and then rub back again and finally finish with conservators wax.

[Luke Maddux]

It's been my experience that polishing shellac smooths it out to a glassy surface without the need for super fine abrasives. I just use 320 or 400 grit. Whatever the final sanding I use on the wood is.

But that's French Polishing... Maybe you're trying to achieve something different?

Cheers,
Luke

[ubeaut]

Sorry for the late response. Have a look at our updated Tripoli information, only uploaded at 6:30 this morning

http://www.ubeaut.com.au/pdf/no4.pdf

Cheers - Neil

[thumbsucker]

Neil thanks for the info. Luke it has also been my experience that 400 grit does give a very smooth surface. However I was wondering if I could improve my finish. Because Lee Valley sells the super fine grits claiming them for French polishing. I will have a go at the 1200 grit range and see if it is any better then the 400.

[Tony ray]

I use wet and dry and work my way up through the grits from 600 ,800, 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500, then use a buffing compound to get a mirror finish.