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What is French polish?
French polish is a natural substance produced by an insect called the seedlac. It is sold commercially in flake form in different shades varying from very dark to pale amber. The flakes are dissolved in 98% alcohol before use. It is applied to wood using a pad (usually a piece of linen wrapped around a core of wool), in a labour intensive process which can take over 30 or more days. Rather than adding layers, the french polishing process consists of building up one single layer which thickens every time the pad is applied to the wood. Powdered pumice stone is also used as part of the process to fill pores in the wood and to flatten the finish during polishing.
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The ultimate finish for fine classical guitars
The major advantage of French polish is that because of the thinness of the final finish it has a negligible damping effect on the sound of the guitar. It is non-toxic, eco-friendly and extremely beautiful; it will not peel off, it is flexible and unlike other finishes, it can be very easily retouched or restored to its original splendour.
A French polish finish is however quite delicate and can easily deteriorate if not cared for properly.
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How best to care for a French polish finish
- Never use polishes or cleaning agents to clean the finish. Use a fine, cotton cloth to wipe the finish if necessary.
- The greatest enemy of the finish is body heat and perspiration. This will dull the finish and eventually wear through to the bare wood. Avoid bare skin coming into contact with the finish at all times by wearing an arm sock or long sleeved clothing.
- When changing strings, protect the soundboard with a carboard mask. By burning a ball onto the end of the treble strings you will prevent strings slipping and possibly damaging the soundboard.
- Have the guitar finish periodically retouched by the maker or qualified luthier, to avoid wearing through to the bare wood.