re-fin advice

[Ken Smith]

Originally Posted by Adrian Levi

I am once again in need of some advice .

This is a full size French bass of mine with finish stripped off . I got the bass with an orangey ugly re-varnish job and decided to strip it and have it refinished .

Now there is the original color on the headstock and on the heel as in the pic .I have been told that it is definitely a French Polish finish .
I'm interested in any advice on what route to take as far as deciding on finish type etc , i.e. what a pro would choose in these circumstances?

French Polish is usually a technique used to smooth out a finish or the varnish, not the actual finish. You can finish wood with just French polish but it wont give you as much protection as Varnish will. By the way, who told you this?

Buy a few finishing books. It will be cheaper than doing things over several times. Your bass will thank you later. Study first, Finish later!