I have heard about using fine pumise to rub out a finish so I finally bought some.
My question is how do I do it? Do I use water as a lubricant or some sort of oil? What do I use to rub with? Do I do circles or with the grain?

I have also heard that you can use it as a grain filler, how?

Justin

Justin,
I've used paste wax, mineral oil and mineral spirits with the pumice powder to rub out a shellac finish. The paste wax produced the best results in my personal opinion. It was applied using a lint free cotton rag bunched up like a french polish pad and rubbed in a circular pattern and later changing direct to go with the grain of the wood.

I've also had good luck using pink stropping compound shaving when I didn't have pumice available. It really refines your finish and looks amazing.. its not quick though so pull up a chair and put on some good music in the background.


This is what it looks like after a fair bit of elbow grease.. quilted maple and solid ebony inlay.

I've never used it as a grain filler before.

I use a felt block and some paraffin oil with either rotten stone or pumice powder. Apply a light amount of oil on the surface and sprinkle with what I call a pounce bag. Basically a bit of the powder in a little bag made of cheese cloth that you can shake and get a light even coat of powder out of. Rub in the direction of the grain until you get the desired results. It's pretty straight forward.

I also use Rotten Stone mixed in with dark wax to simulate dirt and grime on antiques and as a wood filler during the french polishing process.

WOW! that looks awesome.

No doubt about it. Scott has the skills to "Rub" it out. Awesome job by our Colorado Cowboy. Ok, so maybe he isn't a Cowboy, but he sure did ride that curly maple long enough to get a fine finish.

Rat.