French Polishing Services

Antique Furniture French Polishing

The process starts with a finish and damage assessment to decide between a surface revival, spot repair or fuller shellac work. Sheen matching is carried out before any coats are applied, so the result sits in keeping with the piece’s age and character rather than reading as an obvious intervention.

Cabinet Refinishing

Surface preparation, moisture check, sanding back, wood filler where needed, is carried out before any shellac goes on, so the finish bonds correctly and lasts on doors and drawer fronts that are handled daily. The natural grain is preserved throughout, with sheen level agreed before work begins.

Cabinet Restoration

The condition of the wood and existing finish determines the scope: surface cleaning and spot repair for minor wear, sanding back and shellac refinishing for heavier damage. Veneer repair and colour matching are included where the surface needs evening out before the finish coats go on.

Custom Woodworking

New or unfinished woodwork is assessed on-site or by photo, then finished using shellac layering and colour blending to match the surrounding patina and tone. This covers furniture, doors, panelling and staircases where a standard off-the-shelf finish would stand out.

French Polishing

Shellac is applied by pad in thin, stable layers, building a finish that suits antiques, period woodwork and fine furniture alike. Pumice pore-filling and colour matching are included as standard preparation steps before the first coat goes on.

Furniture Restoration

The process covers the full journey: inspection to assess what the wood and existing finish need, structural repairs such as joint regluing, surface work including scratch and water mark removal, and a final shellac or wax finish matched to the original. Oak, mahogany and pine pieces are all covered.

Reproduction Furniture Finishing

Worn or marked reproduction furniture is repaired and refinished using hand-applied shellac, oil, and colour matching to even out the surface and add warmth. Newer pieces can be patinated to sit more naturally alongside genuine antiques or period interiors.

Spot French Polish Repair

Each repair begins with a finish assessment to confirm the damage depth and existing sheen level. Shellac is then applied in thin, staged coats over the prepared area, colour-matched and blended to the surrounding surface so the repair disappears rather than reading as a visible patch.

Surface Damage Repair

Each repair starts with a depth check to confirm whether the damage is in the finish layer or into the wood itself. The area is then filled, sanded smooth, colour-matched and built back up with shellac so the repaired section blends with the surrounding surface rather than reading as a visible patch.

Vintage Furniture French Polishing

The process starts with a surface inspection to decide between a localised repair and a full shellac refinish. Colour matching is carried out before any coats go on, so heat rings, dull patches and wear-through areas blend back into the surrounding finish rather than reading as obvious repairs.

Wood Finish Repair

The repair process starts with finish identification, shellac, lacquer or varnish, so the correct preparation and build-up method is used. Colour matching and spot shellac application follow, rebuilding the damaged area to blend with the surrounding surface without refinishing the whole piece.

Wood Instrument French Polishing

A surface inspection confirms whether the damage calls for a localised touch-up or a full shellac refinish. Shellac is then applied by cotton pad in thin, controlled coats, matched to the existing colour and sheen so the repaired area blends with the surrounding finish rather than reading as a visible patch.