Thanks for the great videos. I’m going to try my hand at french polishing on a federal style table. The mahogony was really pale (it is supposedly south american. I followed Jeff Jewitts FWW article on finishing mahagony first with some amber transtint in water then red and brown mahogony in boiled linseed oil. The dye did not fully go into solution so when I put it on in resulted in swirls from the rag. I tried putting on just oil to lighten it up without success. I eventually planed it down and started again. Should I dissolve the transtint in acetone before mixing with the oil. I was very careful about the ratio is used. My next question is the pad. I got some all cotton finely weaved material for the “cover” and cotton batting for the “inside”. Would I be better off with cheesecloth? Thanks
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Replies
bwood,
I suggest you contact Jeff at Homesteadfinishng products and ask him what he recommends. He is very approachable. Just don't expect to shoot the s%$# for too long. You will need to get the dye into a solution that is miscible with the oil.
W.D. Lockwood sells oil soluble dye powders that work very well. I think Jeff also carries a line of powders also. They are extremely easy to use and blend with oils very well. If you use one follow the directions for mixing and be SURE TO FILTER IT prior to mixing with your oil.
Concerning the pads;
Pads are just a matter of personal taste and touch. Some people will only use lambs wool, some cotton batting, some wool socks and some cheesecloth.
The theory behind wool or batting is there will be no wrinkles in the face of the pad. That is very important.
If you use cheesecloth I would suggest you seek out a supplier of rags and wiping materials. The grades of cheesecloth will be superior to the junk you find in craft stores or the like.
I have one old wool pad I've been using for at least a year. I also have a variety of cheesecloth pads that are different sizes that I keep in containers on the bench. Some are for dark polishes others for light. Some are large some small.
Take some time with different pads and make samples. Nothing will tell you what's better for your hand than to feel it at work. Take your time and have fun along the way.
Glad you liked the videos.
Peter
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