You're technically right, but the process of French polishing floats
the lubricating oil [usually mineral oil] off the surface and removes
it on the pad. That's when the high gloss characteristic of this
process starts to show.
Vaseline also makes a good restorative for dried and cracked tortoise
shell. Repaired an old mandolin that way 20 years ago and it's still in
good condition.
Bugs