<html><body><div style="color:#000; background-color:#fff; font-family:times new roman, new york, times, serif;font-size:12pt"><div>Doug,</div><div>I learned piano work in Moscow, Russia in the 70's. At that time I used French polish. It was basically shellac and alcohol and we used a little oil. My problem was the marks on a black piano if I didn't move pad certain ways. I am older now and it is time to return to basics. I ordered Konig French polish from Ruth Phillips 888-622-7426 and received it today. $23.10+ shipping. </div><div>Thanks,</div><div>Michael</div><div> </div> <div style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <div style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div style="margin: 5px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); height: 0px; line-height: 0; font-size: 0px;" class="hr" contentEditable="false" readonly="true"></div> From: Douglas Gregg <classicpianodoc@gmail.com> To: pianotech@ptg.org Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 9:58 AM Subject: Re: [pianotech] How to remove scratches </div> Michael, Shellacs vary A GREAT DEAL.  The regular bulleye shellac is not dewaxed and is cloudy in the can. It does not harden as hard as dewaxed and is a bit slower drying. There is also an amber (used to be called orange) that is similar. Those are 3 lbs shellac flakes per gallon (called 3 lb). There is also Bullseye Sealcoat that is dewaxed and is a 2 lb cut. The spray cans are blond shellac that is also dewaxed , probably most like the Sealcoat. Then there is shellac flakes that come in a range of colors from super blond to garnet (redish brown). These have to be dissolved in alcohol before use. The Konig is "special" because they have formulated it for French polishing and included a lubricant so an oil does not have to be added to the pad to prevent sticking of the pad to the finish. With traditional French polishing I use olive or raw linseed oil on the pad. I have French polished with all of the above mentioned shellacs including waxed ones. It can be done, but it is much more difficult than the Konig product. I don't recommend it unless you are experienced.  Also, a fine super high polish is harder to achieve without the Konig formulation. I have tried. Mohawk also makes a French polish that is supposed to be similar in that it does not need a lubricant. It works, but in my hands is not much better than doing the traditional French polishing with oil. I could not get a very high polish with it that did not need a final waxing. Doug Gregg Classic Piano Doc Message: 4 Date: Sun, 27 Jan 2013 19:09:23 -0800 (PST) From: MICHAEL MEZHINSKY <<a href="mailto:pghpianotuning@yahoo.com" ymailto="mailto:pghpianotuning@yahoo.com">pghpianotuning@yahoo.com</a>> To: "<a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org" ymailto="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</a>" <<a href="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org" ymailto="mailto:pianotech@ptg.org">pianotech@ptg.org</a>> Subject: Re: [pianotech] How to remove scratches Message-ID:         <<a href="mailto:1359342563.62991.YahooMailNeo@web160202.mail.bf1.yahoo.com" ymailto="mailto:1359342563.62991.YahooMailNeo@web160202.mail.bf1.yahoo.com">1359342563.62991.YahooMailNeo@web160202.mail.bf1.yahoo.com</a>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Thank you for expert advice. I am going to try French polish. Konig have $100 minimum order. I am going to give them a call and try to order one bottle tomorrow. Doug, what's the difference between brands of French polish? Local Rockler store sells some. ? Thanks again, Michael </div> </div>  </div></body></html>