What is polish, people have known since ancient times. It is recognized as one of the most common finishing coatings that gained prominence in Victorian times and has retained its popularity to the present day. Polish is made from shellac, a substance that has a structure similar to wax.
Pros and cons of polish
Polish scratches quite easily, is not resistant to alcohol and water - they can leave stains on the surface. Nevertheless, its visual appeal and the ability to polish the surface to a mirror finish invariably attracts a large number of buyers. Wood processing companies are willing to take the time to learn and work with polish.
Types of polishes
Do-it-yourself wood polish can be made without much effort. To do this, you need to dissolve small pieces of shellac in denatured alcohol. However, wood polish is sold in the construction markets, and it is often more convenient to use it.buy rather than make your own. Purchased means can be used immediately and do not waste time waiting.
After answering the question of what polish is, you should familiarize yourself with the types of this finishing coating.
- "Button" polish has a golden yellow color and is made from the highest quality shellac. This name was given to the tool due to the fact that the manufacturers gave the cooling material the shape of a small disk, which somewhat resembled a button. The elements are almost transparent. If you examine them against the light, you can even see how pure the material is. Now this coating is produced in the form of small flakes.
- Regular polish is made from orange shellac flakes and is also clean. Such material for processing is characterized by a rather deep shade - light brown.
- The dark color material, which is also called garnet, is characterized by a rich red-brown color. Such a polish is used when processing red wood material or other similar in color. Also, such a substance can be used if necessary to “revive” wood that does not have a warm enough shade.
- White polish is made from bleached shellac and can be used on light woods.
- A transparent coating is obtained by excluding natural wax from the composition, which dissolves in colorless shellac. It can be used as needed to changethe color of the lightest wood.
- There is also colored polish. What it is? This is a material that contains a number of dyes - red, black and green. Each coating color is used for specific purposes. For example, black is used to paint pianos, while red and green can be used if necessary to match the desired shade. So, with the help of green, you can visually “age” the wood, and red, on the contrary, will “rejuvenate” the material that has lost its presentation.
Apply material
Varnish polish requires some skill when applied. Without the right skills, it will be quite difficult to apply the coating evenly. Experienced wood processors advise applying the coating with a special brush, while grinding each new layer after application (in the traditional method of application, the surface is polished with a sponge). Sometimes, for the best result, you should use not the usual polish, but one that contains special additives that do not allow it to dry quickly. This prevents streaks and brush marks from appearing.
Specific application of special and regular polishes
Special polish is applied with a soft brush. It is important to monitor the uniformity of coverage. An hour after painting the surface with a layer of substance, it is necessary to polish the plane with a special sandpaper with silicon inclusions, and then apply the next layer. Then repeat the same steps a few more times.
Regular polish is applied tomostly with a cotton sponge - a piece of cotton wool, which is wrapped in linen. This method involves covering the plane with material in clockwise or counterclockwise movements, gradually covering the entire area. Then you should change the direction of the stroke and cover the surface with polish again. You need to complete the work with straight strokes that will be parallel to the wood fibers.
DIY polish
In the manufacture of varnish, you will need purified shellac, which must be dissolved in alcohol and benzene added to it. After this procedure, the mixture must be shaken, and then left for 1.5 days at rest. After that, the liquid will separate into two layers: the upper, suitable for use, and the lower, where all the impurities that contaminate the shellac will settle. After preparing the mixture, it is necessary to drain the top layer and use it as a polish.
Manufacture of varnish on your own can also be due to the fact that not always a purchased solution satisfies all requests. So, to cover the mosaic structure, it is necessary to have a transparent texture, which is quite difficult to find in stores. In addition, sometimes at retail outlets there is no varnish for wood materials at all. Even a self-made coating is a durable and strong material that, with proper care, will last for many years.
Customer opinions
Reviews of polish as one of the best coatings are attracting more and more attention to the material. Especially those who like to do everything with their own hands. Masters note that making polish is quite simple. As a result of application, the surface of the wood acquires a beautiful shade and shine.
Reviews from experienced craftsmen will help beginners understand what it is - varnish. Despite the fact that the coating scratches easily enough, it can last quite a long time, especially if you do not get carried away by placing hard objects on the surface treated in this way.
