We received an interesting e-mail from a fellow woodworker who was interested in the use of Black Polish to re-finish an old Piano.
Hi David,
I have an interesting dilemma, I need to re-finish an old piano and have discovered that whilst the majority is a lovely rosewood veneer there are some parts which are un-veneered.
The piano was originally a black finish (late Victorian) and I think my best solution is to return it to black.
I’ve seen “black french polish” on sale and was wondering if you know how to mix your own from flakes?
Any help would be appreciated
Many thanks in advance
Geoff.
Hi Geoffrey
Black polish is just shellac with a high concentration of black pigment. This you can get from a finishing house http://www.wsjenkins.co.uk/polishes.htm or artist colour men http://www.cornelissen.com This goes on much like clear polish but it does need to go on thicker so needs a bit more expertise.
Why would you want to make your own and why would you want to black out the rosewood?
Good luck! Let us know how you get on.
Very best
David
I hope this helps. Have a good day!
