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I have been using shellac as a French polish finish on acoustics, with a 1.5 to 2 # cut, and have found I get better results when I use a swirling motion vs. straight with the grain. Recently I decided to go with the grain just to see what a more orthodox approach would get me, and did about 10 coats ands noticed ridges occurring in the finish, even after establishing a flat base seal. I let it settle a couple of days and while not as pronounced there were still visible ridges. I sanded them down with some 320 grit, and laid down 3 more coats using a swirling motion like I usually do, and it looks muck better. Has anyone else seen this?
GS

Actually application is typically done with a small swirling motion. Pressing or stiffing off is typically done in line with the grain. Here is a link to a FP presentation I did for the Mid Atlantic Luthiers the other year. I do mine a bit different than most other folks.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ5Zmm9ZKvc

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

Thanks guys. I went back to swirling, and I am getting much better results, I must have gotten confused with something I read, about finalizing the finish.

Regards, GS