High Gloss finish problems

[StevieB]

I am trying to get a very high gloss finish on some American Black Walnut using shellac sanding sealer and friction polish from chestnut products. The friction polish says it can be used for lathe work or by hand and is supposed to give a high gloss finish. On a scrap of test wood I get a lovely smooth surface but its not what I would call high gloss. I am rubbing by hand since its a picture frame I will be coating, and after 3 coats its not really as glossy as I would have liked.

Any advice on whether I am not rubbing hard enough, or simply won't be able to get a deep gloss on a non lathe piece due to the friction nature of the polish or whether I simply need many more coats etc greatly appreciated.

I have applied the shellac sanding sealer to the frame but not the friction polish yet so if any other product would be better for a high gloss finish then any recommendations gratefully received!

Cheers,

Steve.

 

[Terry Smart]

Hi Steve

I think it's likely that you might need to rub a bit more; using the Friction Polish off the lathe is hard work as you have to do the work rather than the machine!

When I have to do this by hand (and it's not that often I'm pleased to say) I tend to work in small areas and keep rubbing until the gloss starts to come through. I use a firm pressure but not too hard, this is more a case of spending time rather than applying pressure and keep the cloth damp with the polish but not wet. You'll probably find that extra coats won't make a great deal of difference.
You might find it helps to wipe a thin coat of Friction Polish onto the wood then buffing using a cloth dampened with the polish before the first coat dries. (There are many different ways of applying this product, it's a case of finding one to suit)

There would be other options for a high gloss finish but having applied the Shellac Sanding Sealer you're pretty much committed to either the Friction Polish, a wax (which wouldn't be a 'high' gloss) or maybe a White French Polish if you're feeling brave, but I reckon that'd be even more work than the Friction Polish.

As a matter of interest we do have a few picture framers who buy our Friction Polish to use on their hand made frames.

Some other options to consider would be to try a polishing bonnet of some kind in a drill to buff the Friction Polish - people tell me they have done this will good results but I've never tried it myself. You could also try using Burnishing Cream to increase the sheen of the Friction Polish, but I'd hope it shouldn't be neccesary; the Burnishing Cream will get that final extra shine where an extremely high gloss finish is required but the Friction Polish should give you a very good gloss without this.

Please let me know how you get on.

 

[StevieB]

Many thanks for the prompt reply Terry, looks like I will have to keep rubbing! A buffing wheel may be an option but as the glass is already in situ (its a fixed frame design by necessity) I was a little wary of breaking it :roll:

Regards,

Steve.

 

[Scrit]

Steve

I've done high-gloss acrylic finishes and the only way to achieve that mirror finish is like Terry says - a speed polisher and burnishing compound (frequently a highly-friable micro abrasive). The best type of buffing head (or mop) I've used are made of foam rubber and sold by auto paint shops, Machine Mart, etc and are designed to be used at 1000 to 2000 rpm in a car body polisher (a sort of specialised 2000 watt angle grinder). I believe that you can get versions with a shank for use in a power drill with a side handle (very necessary - without it you can easily hurt yourself). The sponge is dampened and the burnisher/abrasive applied to the surface very lightly and kept moving - don't stop because it will mark the work, and don't allow the sponge to get dry for the same reason. Too wet and you'll simply get a shower!

Scrit

 

[Argee]

I have applied the shellac sanding sealer to the frame but not the friction polish yet so if any other product would be better for a high gloss finish then any recommendations gratefully received!

Cheers,

Steve.

Have you thought of Rustins (two-part) Plastic Coating - it's a totally clear, self-levelling finish that dries to a mirror-like gloss. I like it and use it quite a lot, but I do occasionally burnish it (with the cream in the kit) on the lathe. Dust is a killer to this product, as it is with others, but I've found it one of - if not the - easiest of gloss finishes to apply.

Here's a link to their site - once on the site, click on "Interior Finishes" then "Plastic Coating."

Usual disclaimer - no connection with Rustins, other than as a satisfied user.

Ray.