Tripoli polishing over Shellac?

[kman-oz]

I recently purchased some U-Beaut Tripoli powder to use as a final polish over Shellac. Somehow this is not working the way I had expected.

I expected it to be a very fine abrasive, but I can acheive a better result using 1200grit paper. Some reading suggested that I may need to work the surface longer in order for the powder to break down into finer grits within the parafin slurry, but all I managed to do was eat away the entire finish back to bare timber.

Fortunately I'm working on test peices only, but at this stage I feel like I've wasted time and money on something that doesn't work at all. I've used several of Neil's products with great success, so it's more than likely I'm doing something wrong.

I'd like to appeal to those who've used this successfully in order that you might enlighten me. Please?

Dave.

[Big Shed]

Dave, can't help you with your enquiry as I haven't used it.

I take it you have read the instruction sheet in the library?

[kman-oz]

Yup. These are the same instructions as on the packaging.

[conwood]

Hi Dave,
I had the same issue with rottenstone..was ok but not as good as I hoped. Now I use 1200 wet and dry with furniture polish and I get lovely results which are also nice to touch.

There are no hard and fast rules, particularly with finishing as evidenced on this forum. We all have found a way which works for us. We think we have found a system that works and then we work on a different type of timber where finishing methods and finishes have to be re-evaluated..it's an ongoing experience.

I am unable to enlighten you, but can confirm that 1200 w&d is my preference. There are bound to be others who will be able to assist you.

cheers
conwood

[Big Shed]

I prefer 0000 steelwool for this sort of thing, I have also used 2000 w&d (get that from SuperCheap Auto). Danish Oil works well with as well.

[kman-oz]

I have a good spread of other abrasives I can use, and each of them produces a lovely finish to the touch, but I really wanted to maintain that briliant shine produced by the Shellac. The main reason for wanting to use an abrasive at all is because the little nibs and dust that stick to the surface make it very slightly rough.

Maybe I'm going about this the wrong way, is there another way to improve the Shellac finsh? This is my first attempt at French Polishing, so any inight is welcome.

Thanks Big Shed, I've also realised why steel wool is so useful for French Polishing... it doesn't clog!

[Tex B]

I've had very good success with EEE Ultra Shine. Put it on like wax (ie, a small amount at a time), rub it in, rub it off. I've been using it after rubbing out the shellac with 600 wet & dry and soapy water. After EEE I'll put on a few coats of wax.

I haven't used the tripoli powder on its own. Maybe I'm using light pressure, or maybe in the EEE mix there is a bit less powder than you're using?

I've also used 0000 steel wool and wax for rubbing out. Personally, I think EEE is easier to apply, and never leaves bits of steel on the edges or corners.

Tex

[tea lady]

I have a good spread of other abrasives I can use, and each of them produces a lovely finish to the touch, but I really wanted to maintain that briliant shine produced by the Shellac. The main reason for wanting to use an abrasive at all is because the little nibs and dust that stick to the surface make it very slightly rough.

I've used EEE over hard shellac to TAKE OFF the brilliant shine. So maybe wet and dry or something else is what you need.

[kman-oz]

I've got some EEE also, works very well on raw or oiled timbers, but acts much the same as the Tripoli on Shellac. In fact, I'm sure I read that EEE contains Tripoli powder...

It seems the Tripoli isn't the answer. Is it worth trying some sort of buffing compound? I'm sure I have a bar of something laying around the workshop I purchased for polishing tool steels and brass, what say you?

[jmk89]

It's the Tripoli in EEE that makes it EEE (clue - how do you say EEE? Triple E)

[kman-oz]

I found the stick of Josco white polishing compound/rouge in the shed and the result is exactly what I'm looking for. Brilliant sheen, very slightly misty mirror-like reflection, takes a beautiful coat of U-Beaut natural wax. Done!

Thanks for your help folks, problem solved.

If anyone is interested, I simply scraped some shavings of the Josco stick onto the work peice, then applied some parafin oil to a cotton cloth and rubbed it out. That simple.

[kevjed]

G'day Dave,
Hope things are going well.
Any chance of a pic or two.
All the best
Kevin

[ubeaut]

Tripoli powder, in powder form is for a sheen not a shine. Ideal for cutting back the gloss level and giving a soft sensual feel to the surface . Used more to give a dry shine (sheen) than a full high gloss. Unless used with wax and rubbed and rubbed and rubbed and rubbed. Works best for a higher gloss when buffed mechanically.

EEE is basically Tripoli Powder mixed into Traditional Wax. The wax is mostly there to hold the abrasive powder in suspension, but also helps add to the shine.

[kman-oz]

G'day Kev, I've just been working on test peices to get a solid process for this, I'm a French Polish virgin. That said I'm about half way through the finish on the cot I'm making for my new niece, so pics of that will be along shortly.

Thanks Neil, I've obviously misunderstood it's purpose. The EEE works so well on hardwoods I guess I expected it to be better still over Shellac. In hindsight I can see the error in this.