I've done a few machines - French polishing is an ART don't forget.

It is and so easy to need to redo if you get it a little wrong. I've spent as much time leveling from a bad day applying as building up but it's starting to look pretty good now. I think one or two more well applied coats and she'll be ready for her close up. :)

what is french polishing?

lolthom You need to read the first 8 posts of this thread, Glenn has explained it very well.

I see how Glenn restored the gold lettering on his Franklin using a gold pen. It looks just stunning!

I've been looking at the decals on my White FR and wondering if I could touch up the color spots in the same way? The decals are in very good condition, but there are little spots where the colors have faded (reds and blues, I think).

Would a pen work, and if so, what kind should I use?

Pamela I used a testor's gold paint pen but I applied the lettering with a small artist brush. I was lucky and the shadow of the decal was my guide.
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Glenn, what would you recommend I use to touch up the colored areas in the decals? I could use a brush or a pen, just not sure what kind of paint or pen to use.

I use artist oil paints mixed with a tiny pit of linseed oil to make them flow easy. Let the paint cure a week and coat with a light coat of thin shellac, then french polish to a nice finish.

so I am attempting to save this old girl? think this method will work ?[ATTACH=CONFIG]517405[/ATTACH]

She's beautiful! Well done! (That's the Jones, I think, the one that's 117 years old)!

Jeanette