Finish Renewal
Cabinets that look and fit like new, old peeling removed, grain revived, doors refitted with low disruption.
What We Do
Sanding, shellac application, buffing and reinstallation of cabinet doors, frames and hardware.
Remove doors, sand surfaces to strip old finish and prep timber for shellac application.
Apply multiple shellac layers, final buffing and reinstallation of doors and hardware for consistent finish.
Why Essex French Polishing
Incorrect prep or mismatched shellac layers cause uneven sheen, peeling and refit problems that make cabinets look worse over time.
Old lacquer or paint can lift and expose uneven timber. Coastal and suburban woodwork often shows patchy wear that spoils fitted units and makes kitchens look aged.
Who We Help
Suitable for period kitchens, domestic cabinets and commercial fittings across Essex towns.
Homeowners in Essex seeking to remove peeling finishes, revive grain and refit doors with minimal disruption to daily use.
Facilities managers arranging surface renewal for reception areas or hospitality interiors who need scheduled work and clear timelines.
Design professionals requesting shellac layering, colour matching and delivery that fits project schedules and period interiors.
How We Work
We assess items, provide a written quote, then arrange on-site or workshop refinishing with agreed timings and aftercare.
Arrange assessment
We inspect items on-site or by photos and provide an itemised written quote that lists scope, timings and any workshop work.
Prepare & sand
Doors are removed or masked, surfaces sanded and prepared. Pumice and pore-filling ensure smooth substrate for shellac application.
Shellac & refit
Multiple shellac layers are applied and buffed, hardware is refitted and hinges aligned, then written aftercare guidance is provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers on timing, costs, risks and conservation for cabinets and fitted joinery.
More Services
Who We Are
All enquiries are reviewed by French polishers experienced with home furniture and office woodwork in Essex. We provide a free written quote after inspection or photos. Choose on-site polishing or workshop collection and return.
Our Full StoryWe exist to preserve and restore period wood finishes for homeowners and businesses in Essex by arranging specialist French polishing services.
Clear Quotes
Written estimates after inspection; no hidden fees.
Flexible Delivery
On-site or workshop collection with scheduled slots.
Traditional Techniques
Shellac pad application, pumice pore-filling and buffing.
Restore antique or vintage furniture with structural repair and finish preparation
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Multiple opaque layers can conceal timber chatoyancy. Without correct sanding and shellac layering the original grain and colour remain lost.
Doors removed without care can damage hinges and screws. Poor scheduling leads to long refit waits and extra labour for alignment.
Multiple shellac layers rebuild depth and chatoyancy while pumice and pad application preserve original timber appearance.
You receive a written, itemised quote after inspection that sets out scope, timings and any off-site work required.
Off-site door removal and refinishing normally completes in three to five working days, reducing time doors are out of use.
Reinstallation includes hinge realignment and screw replacement where needed to ensure doors close correctly and hardware functions.
Choose on-site polishing for built-in units or workshop collection for full door stripping and controlled shellac curing.