High Build Friction Polishes?

[Mark Hepburn]

Question for those of you who use a friction polish. Which do you prefer and why? I'm using Shellawax and Doctor's Pen Polish but read about Mylands and wonder if there's anything out there that is more durable in this category.

My primary use is for small boxes and pens. Thanks!

 

[Webb Willmott]

So easy to make and you probably have everything on hand. Equal parts BLO, shellac, and denatured alcohol.

I keep un-waxed shellac powder on hand so I double the alcohol. I use 1 ounce of powder (3 level tablespoonfuls) per 8 ounces of shine juice.

I prefer mine because it’s inexpensive and made in small batches so it’s fresh and works well. And no shipping charges.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

So easy to make and you probably have everything on hand. Equal parts BLO, shellac, and denatured alcohol.

I do have them on hand. I’ll have to mix up a small sample

 

[Webb Willmott]

Put the first coat with the lathe off so you can get good penetration.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

 

[Greg Carles]

I keep un-waxed shellac powder on hand

Can the Zinnser ( 100% wax free) clear shellac be used instead?

 

[Russell Nugent]

Can the Zinnser ( 100% wax free) clear shellac be used instead?

That's what I used for shine juice/friction polish.

 

[Webb Willmott]

Can the Zinnser ( 100% wax free) clear shellac be used instead?

Un-waxed flake or powder is used so it will easily dissolve in alcohol. If the shellac is already in solution which I think you are talking about, yes.

 

[Bill Blasic]

When I started turning I bought a big bottle of Mylands friction polish and used it extensively. It did not take long to find out that over the long run it did not hold up well.

 

[Jeff Jackson]

I used friction polishes when I first started out but eventually discovered that finished that go on easily also wear away easily too.

 

[Webb Willmott]

Bill and Jeff - did you put a wax coat on top or just the polish?

Also, what’s your go to finish?

 

[rkriet]

My go-to finish for boxes and small items is the friction polish from Doctors Woodshop that is made up of walnut oil, shellac, and Carnuba wax. It goes on easily, dries quickly, and the Carnuba wax makes it quite terrible.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

I’m currently using that but have durability concerns for frequently handled objects

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

My go-to finish for boxes and small items is the friction polish from Doctors Woodshop that is made up of walnut oil, shellac, and Carnuba wax. It goes on easily, dries quickly, and the Carnuba wax makes it quite terrible.

terrible = durable?

 

[Kent Reisdorph]

I use Myland's, but I don't have any particular attachment to the brand. I only use it on things that aren't going to be handled much.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

terrible = durable?

Ahh, the joy of spell-check.

 

[Webb Willmott]

Might be just the lingo. Remember when someone says something is bad, they mean good. Lol.

 

[Jeff Jackson]

Bill and Jeff - did you put a wax coat on top or just the polish?

Also, what’s your go to finish?

I normally top with a microcrystal wax like Renaissance wax for pens and boxes. For pens it's either CA finish or lacquer since pens take the most abuse. For my boxes it's mostly lacquer.

 

[Dean Center]

As mentioned, friction polish is pretty soft and non-durable for handled objects, but it's terrific on the inside of boxes, where minimal contact happens.

 

[Mark Hepburn]

Thanks Dean.

 

[rkriet]

terrible = durable?

Yes, durable!

 

[Greg Carles]

For my boxes it's mostly lacquer.

I use 50/50 Deft with Laqure thinner for all my pepper mills.

 

[rkriet]

Ahh, the joy of spell-check.

I didn't read the note I made to myself -- "Don't forget to proofread, you dumb @!$&%@!"

 

[Chris Lawrence]

I switched pretty quickly early in my turning adventure from friction polishes to hard top coats for things that are meant to be touched but not used for food. I started with polyacrylic then switched to solvent lacquer until I found the emtech line of finishes that are water based. I use there 7000 high build lacquer mostly. For small things like boxes I diluted some down in a dropper bottle with roughly 30% water and spray it on with an airbrush. If its going to be touched a lot I put a micro crystallin wax on top of it.

 

[Doug Freeman]

Might give Parfix 3408 ca a try. Longer open time and no fumes. I use it all the time on small pieces.

View: https://youtu.be/kDez7qZ8vk0?si=5_2v-vNUTSUVLzoO

 

[hughie]

I think from memory, the Shellawax products cross-link with the oxygen in the atmosphere and harden up over 2-3 weeks. Much of what I do these days doesnt lend itself too well to friction polishes.