French polish problem

[Renee Labordus]

I am using Qualasol. For the most part it is going ok.
But I have some dull spots on the back which don't seem to want to shine like the resr of it.
No matter how many coats I am putting on. Can somebody tell me how I can fix please.
Here is a pic.

Thanks,
Renee

[John Parchem]

What did you do to prep the back before starting the FP? How are you applying the qualasol?

[Renee Labordus]

Well....I pore filled the entire back with colortone grain filler from Stewmac (water based). Then sanded it smooth.
I applied Salasol with cotton balls wrapped in a piece of tee shirt, with little olive oil. For the most part I got a good shine, except for a some stubborn dull spots.

[Renee Labordus]

Looks like perhaps I am gaining on it. I decided just to dap the qualasol (instead of rubbing).
Seems like it sticking now. Here is what I got now.

[John Parchem]

Yes looking better.

With qualasol you can leave out the oil. Instead of dabbing or rubbing try and apply it with a folded line free cotton rag in long strokes with the grain. The streaks should be wet but not so much that you would get a drip. Let any streak dry to the touch before hitting it again. Do this until you get an even base coat. Qualasol lends itself to padding as I described above without the need for a FP technique. I think you were pulling off as much as you were putting on in the dull areas.

[Renee Labordus]

Thanks for the tip.
Getting lots of practice for the top.

[John Parchem]

One more tip. I do not use oil with shellac until I have a good base coat. Three or so applications with a pad. Basically you do not want oil on the bare wood.