The French Polishers Handbook Pdf
Alcohol for french polishing is any solvent capable of dissolving lac beetle flakes (or some synthetic substitute) and then evaporating away cleanly and as quickly as possible leaving behind the cured protective finish.
Traditionally luthiers have used denatured alcohol, nondenatured ethanol, and mineral spirit blends as the spirit base for dissolving shellac for french polishing. Finally luthiers have access to a better, safer alternative to denatured alcohol.
Because Culinary Solvent 200 proof contains 0% water, we recommend luthiers use 200 proof over our 190 proof for the best, high gloss shellac finish. Shop here for 200 proof alcohol for french polish.