doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Parker French Polish question.

I'm getting close to finishing a PH 12ga, with a #2 frame. I'm going to French Polish this one, but I have a question as to what specific shellac to use.

I've already read the FAQ on original finishes over on the PGCA board, but the only reference to a type of shellac was to the orange variety, only one of many.

Does anyone have an idea what specific shellac was used? Was
it orange, amber or blonde? Was it waxed or unwaxed? Was it button or flake? Does anyone here have any idea?

I intend to initially build the base with a two pound cut, then topcoat with a one pound finish, pretty standard french polish.

Thanks

Kenneth

Bullseye amber shellac.

Ken, please share your experiences when the project is done. I've often considered using shellac but have been intimidated after reading instructions. Photos would be nice too.

I'll be sure to document the process.

eeb, thanks, I'm aware of the Bullseye/French Red filler approach, but I was hoping for a little more information as to the original Parker process...

I would recommend mixing your own from flakes. Garnet gives the deep red on dark woods. On blond wood I use button lac, it will give you the caramel color that lovers of French walnut crave. Just mix the quanity required. When fresh it is a much better product than it is in a month.

bill

Thanks. Garnet is available as dewaxed flakes. As far as button, do you suggest Kusmi #1 (caramel) or Kusmi #2 (red/brown)?

I'm leaning towards using the dewaxed garnet (2 lb. cut) as the base/sealer for the first 75 passes, then the caramel Kusmi #1 (1 lb. cut)for the last 25 finish coats. I'll then wax the stock as the final step, probably with Nufinish wax as it's got an advanced polymer in the forumla that provides UV protection.

Ken

Ken61, on the parkerguns.org website you should try a search on the forum. The late Austin Hogan posted an original recipe he used when touching up or completely refinishing an original Parker stock. Austin was highly respected among collecting circles and organizations. With a good bit of diligence I'm sure you can find it.

I did an LC with hand mixed wax free garnet shellac flakes w/a final coat of wipe on poly. I'd have to look at my notes, but I think I used a 1 or 2lb cut. Took me while to get process down on a practice stock, but it's a nice finish when you're done. Appropriate for a low grade gun IMHO.

This is my first picture I've ever posted..ever..hope it works! (gun is mine..couch isn't :))

Interesting. After reading through all the old PGCA threads,it appears Parker used Bullseye orange shellac. eeb, you were "on the money" as amber is the only colored shellac they now sell.

Nice looking LC. I've also got a Grade 0 (2 iron damascus) that I'll be starting on soon..

My practice gun was a Henri Pieper Eclipse hammergun..

Ken, prep your wood as you would for any finish. If I am working on an older gun I sand very lightly, just enough to knock down any grain that may have popped. This results in a nice antiqued finish that does not look so new. Take a couple cotton balls and bind them into a piece of old tshirt. With your finger dab a few drops of BLO (some recommend olive oil), and dip the tshirt into the shellac. Rub this with the BLO into the wood in firm back and forth strokes until it dries. Repeat doing small sections at a time. If you live in a low humidity area it goes quickly, otherwise you have to watch for tacky finishes and allow them to dry before proceeding. This method is detailed further on the PGCA website. It's not difficult and the results are pleasing, and while it's certainly not a London oil finish, it looks right on the older American doubles.