Tripoli powder question

[munruben]

I was in Carba Tec yesterday and bought some Tripoli powder. Now, although I have been playing around with timber since I was a youngster it is only recently that I have focussed on my finishing techniques. In the past I have always used varnish or Polyurethane straight from the can and finish with just waxing applied with 0000 steel wool. This gives a reasonably nice finish but have been reading a bit about rubbing a finish with Tripoli powder.The instructions on the shaker are basic and not detailed.
I am not familiar with this method so would like some advice as to the best way of achieving a brilliant shine to my finished product.
How do I build up to that ultimate finish . Will it work on polyurethane finishes or am I better off using something else. I usually make furniture items, or picture and memorabilia frames. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

[Des.K.]

Hi munruben

Where the label says it can be mixed to a slurry, I thinks its referring to making a water or oil rubbing compound (page 81 of Neil's book). Water compound - 4 (volume) tripoli, 1 water, 1 drop of dish washing detergent.
Oil compound - equal parts (volume) Linseed or paraffin oil, tripoli powder.

I've used the water compound on shellac, and it works fine. Don't know about poly (I've used EEE ultra shine wax over Minwax wipe-on poly for a good result).

Regards
Des

[Cliff Rogers]

G'day.

Have a look at this page from our sponsor.

[munruben]

Thanks guys will make a note of that advice Des.
Thanks for the link Cliff, will definitely be getting some EEE ultra shine, sounds like just the thing I am looking for.

[Cliff Rogers]

If you are going to put in an order, get one of these too.

[watson]

And the polishers' handbook.
Spend!!! Grouse stuff and a real learning experience.
The book is worth a five year course on finishing....but contains really S***house jokes.

[Cliff Rogers]

And the polishers' handbook.....

Yeah well... If it hadn't been for that book, I wouldn't have found this forum when I did.

[Sebastiaan56]

The Ultrashine EEE and Shellawax are my favourites as well. Free plug I know but they are great products. My 8yo considers himself the expert as he studiously wipes the rag up and down the turnings


Sebastiaan

[chrisb691]

Yeah well... If it hadn't been for that book, I wouldn't have found this forum when I did.

No-one said the book was perfect.