French polished rosewood

[Lawrence]

A question for you french polish experts: After layering down several days worth of french polishing on a new rosewood mando back I realize that the pores were probably not filled well at all (white speckles everywhere). Will I need to remove the shellac back to the wood before filling the pores, or can I work from where it is, with several layers of shellac on the wood? Thanks for any advice on the subject! I hate to sand away an otherwise okay finish, but I will if necessary.
Thanks a million,
Lawrence

[Mario Proulx]

Sand it lightly with 320, dry, and keep the sanding dust on the surface. Now, with a nearly dry pad(just a bit of alcohol), rub this dust into the pores. Use a bit more pumice if needed. Repeat if necessary.

This should be done when first starting, before the build coats begin, but you can do it now. When you do it from the beginning, the pumice grinds the wood into a fine dust as you work, and that is what fills the pores, as you go.

[Lawrence]

Thanks, M. That worked well.
-Lawrence