Finish question

[Gibsonman]

If you were going to French Polish there is no need to seal the dyes is that right. Just start the French Polish right over the dyes?? Thanks

[Bill Snyder]

Depends on the carrier for the dye. If they are alcohol based dyes the french polish can smudge the colors.

[Gibsonman]

Water base dye. Should I seal with varnish before I start the French Polish?

[Walt]

Water base dye. Should I seal with varnish before I start the French Polish?

Not an expert, but I started this process a couple of days ago. I used water-based aniline dye and started french polishing the shellac right over top.
This video of James Condino is well worth watching if you haven't seen it yet.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/2007/...unburst-finish

[jhowell]

Water base dye. Should I seal with varnish before I start the French Polish?

When I've used the french polish method I padded on a shellac seal to start the process, whether over stained or unstained tone wood.
Pretty good overview here.

[Ginridge]

Another possibility is to lightly brush or spray on a base coat of a very thin shellac mix which would flash off quickly, sealing the color coat. I've used that method when french polishing a touch up I had colored first.

[Tavy]

Just pad it on - but be quick about it and don't ever go back over an area. As long as you're quick it won't have a chance to move.