Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Feb 12, 2010 12:24am | #1

   This is where you do a quick rubbing out process. Sand off the lines using the finest sandpaper that will do hte job. (Try 600 grit to start.) For best results use a sanding block. No power sanding. Then use 1200 grit to remove the sanding scratches from the 600 grit. At that point you can switch to a polishing compound to bring up the sheen to the gloss level you want. I'm old fashioned and tend to use rottenstone lubricated with parafin oil. You will be amazed at the difference.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 12, 2010 10:08am | #2

   GREAT reply! I use Rainbow Rotten Stone with common mineral oil...

   I am FAR fom a expert finisher! BUT, I 'think', the pad used to hold the grinding material WILL add scratches, whatever grit you use.

   With shellac, I think, use a method, sort of like French Polish without all the fuss.. A old silk Tie works well.

1. 
   GarageBand | Feb 15, 2010 09:29pm | #6

   Where do I get rotten stone?

2. 
   peter28 | Feb 12, 2010 11:09am | #3

   Thomas,
   I'm guessing when you
   Thomas,

   I'm guessing when you use your pad, you're always going in a straight line. Am I right?

   If so the lines you see are called "roping" Initial applications with a pad should be circles followed by long figure eights. The figure eights "pull over" the circles. The final pull over is done in a straight line.

   Another possibility, and I think this is what you are experiencing, is the face of your pad is a bit too rough. A tee shirt cover on a pad for example will leave a less refined surface than a pad with a finely textured cover.The more linen like the cover the less problems you will have.

   Another way to polish the lines out of the surface is to reduce the shellac and just add a little more alcohol to your pad.Make it lightly damp not wet. Use a very light touch initially and add more pressure as the pad dries out. It does take a touch doing this so PRACTICE on sample boards. You'll be surprised at what you can do when the worry of ruining a project is eliminated.

   Good luck.

1. 
   WillGeorge | Feb 12, 2010 11:31pm | #4

   Another way to polish the lines out of the surface is to reduce the shellac and just add a little more alcohol to your pad.Make it lightly damp not wet. Use a very light touch initially and add more pressure as the pad dries out. It does take a touch doing this so PRACTICE on sample boards. You'll be surprised at what you can do when the worry of ruining a project is eliminated.

   Good luck.

   Perfect answer.. I would say...

   And then again you could flood it with alcohol and start over?

2. 
   GarageBand | Feb 15, 2010 09:26pm | #5

   Thanks, I am using straight lines, the same way you would put on oil or poly (overlapping to keep it wet). My pad cover is a jersey knit - soft and kind of spongy. Is a flatter and smoother material better?

1. 
   peter28 | Feb 17, 2010 10:04pm | #7

   First off the cover of your pad is terrible. Think along the lines of a well washed handkerchief as a replacement. A fine thin cloth is best. Another consideration is to be absolutely sure there are no wrinkles in the face of the pad or they will transfer to the surface.

   Your application technique is suited for oil but not shellac. Not trying to sound like the principal but you have not done your homework. Look at one of the many finishing books out there for padding techniques. FWIW, I outlined some basics in my first response to you. Hang in there, practice and you'll get it. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.