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So... I am ready to french polish my first build , this will be my second french polish job, I built this guitar about 2 1/2 years ago, and have playing it regularly since then .. with no finish, it has held up quite well except a small area where my arm would rest when I play has some oils on it, which I assume will be removable with some naptha, I am assuming it is also "polished' from the contact of my arm, what would be a good way to reduce the visibility of this spot under shellac, without any heavy sanding ? as it sounds wonderfull as it is and I would not want to alter its voice by heavy sanding, if it can be avoided . thanks jody

The odds are the body oils have penetrated in to the wood some. I would give a cursory sanding at 220p or 320p over the entire body and neck because the woods have also oxidized a good bit after 2 1/2 years as well as likely picked up some could hold contaminates that could interfere with the finish adhesion. Did you pore fill with anything prior to stringing the bugger up?

Thank you Michael,it was never "final" sanded ( except for the top) no I have not filled the pores , it is walnut with a mahogany neck, I am trying to figure out the best options for filling to have the most subtle neck/bodywood contrast . Jody