Re: French polishing for beginners.
I think Methylated Spirits is the only solvent suited to Shellac although Toluene is used in Sanding Sealer, which is a simpler form of shellacing. Toluene ain't human-friendly either!
Bleached (White Shellac) avoids the golden hue and is superb on light-coloured woods.
Shellac's versatility is such that it 'waterproofs' copper wire and electronics in tropical climes, but repairing shellac coated automotive wire joints is a pain the posterior.
I always get a very satisfactory commerical finish with 0000 furniture grade wire wool and Briwax for a lovely sheen but at the end of the day, if comes down to consumer choice. Personally I hate seeing mirror finished lacquered wood - it looks soooo artificial... and makes me soooo envious of the French polisher's patience in his fine preparation! One day....
Barry
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