Description
Friction Polish is a shellac based polish ideal for creating a high gloss finish on or off the lathe. It’s a great decorative finish and is ideal for small items but can be difficult to apply to larger items on the lathe (over about 8 inch diameter).
The high amount of shellac in Friction Polish does two main things. Firstly, it helps seal bare wood and give it a great shine, which is good. Sadly the price of this commodity shot up a few years ago when the shellac crop failed and it never went back down, meaning that the cost of the polish has also risen sharply.
Nevertheless, Friction Polish remains one of the most popular finishes for turners. It can be applied to bare wood but is normally used over a sealer and any of the sealers in the Chestnut Products range are suitable for this.
Applied with the lathe running it dries almost instantly and builds to a deep, rich shine very quickly. Avoid using too much as this can cause ‘rings’ to appear on the surface.
Friction Polish can be applied off the lathe with great success, using it like a French Polish and rubbing it into the surface. This does require a large amount of elbow grease (sadly not something we supply) but the end result is well worth the effort!
Specifications
Typical uses
High gloss finish usually used on the lathe although it can be applied off the lathe
Method of application
Either by holding a moistened pad against work revolving on the lathe or continued rubbing off the lathe
Drying time
The friction caused by application means that the polish dries immediately
Coverage
Virtually impossible to calculate due to the nature of application
Compatibility
Can be used on bare wood or over any of the Chestnut Products’ Sanding Sealers. The final finish can be treated with Burnishing Cream for an even higher gloss. Waxes can also be applied over Friction Polish.
Tips: Apply a thin coat and keep the cloth moving. For an incredible finish try applying Friction Polish over a burnished coat of Melamine Lacquer then use Burnishing Cream on top.
Thinners
Methylated Spirits (Should not be needed)
Safety Considerations
Highly Flammable. Use Safety Cloth when working on the lathe. (see Safety Data Sheet or warnings on can for full details).
Supplied – 500 ml container
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