New or bespoke woodwork finished in shellac and colour-matched to sit alongside what is already in the room.
The Difference That Shows
A well-made piece finished the wrong way will stand out for the wrong reasons.
A standard lacquer finish reflects light differently to shellac, making a new piece look out of place beside period woodwork.
Shellac applied by pad builds the same depth and warmth as existing patina, so the new piece reads as part of the room.
Applying colour only at the final coat produces a flat, uniform tone that does not replicate the variation of aged wood.
Colour adjustments are made between shellac coats, building tone gradually so the result is consistent across the whole surface.
Skipping pore-filling leaves the surface uneven and means subsequent coats sit on top rather than bonding into the wood.
Pumice pore-filling levels the grain before shellac is applied, giving each coat a stable base and the finished surface a smooth, even feel.
Without comparing the new piece to the existing woodwork before completion, mismatches only become visible once the piece is in place.
Sheen level and colour are checked against the surrounding woodwork before the final buff, so adjustments happen before the job is signed off.
Scope of Work
From a single door to a full staircase, the work covers any bespoke piece that needs a matched shellac finish.
New or unfinished furniture pieces finished in shellac and colour-matched to sit alongside existing pieces in the room.
New staircase components finished to match existing treads, handrails or surrounding panelling using shellac layering.
Doors and wall panelling finished to match the patina and sheen of original woodwork in period and older homes.
Skirtings, architraves and other fixed woodwork finished in shellac where a standard paint or lacquer would stand out.
Scratches and water rings blended back into the surrounding finish.
Work carried out in the room for fixed or large pieces.
Smaller items collected, finished and returned.
Written care instructions provided after every job.
Made & Finished
Bespoke woodwork is only complete when the finish matches what is already in the room.
The starting point is always an assessment, either from photographs or on-site, to establish the existing colour, sheen level and wood species that the new piece needs to match. Period and older Essex homes often have original panelling, staircases and doors with decades of patina built up, and a new piece finished in a standard lacquer will read as obviously different. Shellac layering and colour blending close that gap.
Once the match is agreed, the wood is prepared through sanding and pore-filling before shellac coats are applied by pad. Each layer is allowed to stabilise before the next is added, building a finish with the same depth and warmth as the surrounding woodwork. Colour adjustments are made between coats rather than at the end, so the result is consistent across the whole surface.
The finished piece is buffed to the agreed sheen level, gloss, satin or a softer open finish, and aftercare guidance is provided so the surface stays in good condition. Work is carried out on-site or in the workshop depending on the size of the piece and the access available in the room.
Why Choose Us
French polishing expertise applied to bespoke work means the finish is never an afterthought.
Every quote is written, covers scope and timings, and carries no obligation to proceed.
Furniture and architectural woodwork across Essex finished using traditional shellac and pad application.
Fixed or large pieces are worked on in the room; smaller items can be collected, finished and returned.
Written aftercare instructions come with every finished piece so the surface stays in good condition.
Send photographs or arrange a visit, either way, the quote is based on a proper look at the piece.
How It Works
01
Send photographs or arrange an on-site visit and receive a free written quote covering scope, timings and finish options.
02
The wood is sanded, pore-filled with pumice and finished in shellac coats with colour blending carried out between layers.
03
The sheen is checked against the surrounding woodwork, buffed to the agreed level, and aftercare guidance is provided in writing.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Minor wood repair | £30-£100 |
| Chair or table leg repair | £150-£300 |
| Woodworking repair and restoration work | £180-£700 |
| Specialist structural repair | £300-£500 |
“Mark done a brilliant job repairing damaged concrete above our front door. Very trustworthy and reliable.”
“Presto Repairs is an absolute miracle worker when it comes to cosmetic repairs. I’ve used his services multiple times, and he consistently delivers perfect results at a fair price. He’s tackled everything in my home - from dog-chewed wood trim that now looks brand new, to a chipped fireplace surround that’s been flawlessly restored. The bathroom tile repair he completed is seamless - you’d never know there was damage there. Even outdoor items exposed to the elements have been brought back to life under his skilled hands. What sets Presto Repairs apart is his versatility and attention to detail. No matter the material or the extent of damage, he approaches each job with the same level of care and precision. If you have any cosmetic repairs needed around your home, I can’t recommend Presto Repairs highly enough. He’s responsive, professional, and truly talented at what he does. Five stars!”
A Learmouth6 months ago“Absolutely incredible. Mark repaired our kitchen cabinet and I had no idea this was going to be repaired to look good as new! I’m very impressed, Mark was brilliant and has fantastic customer service skills. We will be using again if necessary and will be recommending to anyone in need of repairs!”
Gemma Abbey11 months ago“Exceptional Service from Start to Finish! I had a damaged kitchen unit that needed repairing, and I’m so glad I found Presto Repairs. From the moment I spoke to Mark, I felt confident I was in good hands. He was friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. Mark took the time to explain exactly what needed doing and gave honest advice without any pressure. The repair was carried out with genuine care and precision. It’s clear they take pride in their work and do things properly. The price to value was a no brainer for me, too. What stood out to me was the trust and honesty. It’s rare to find tradespeople who are this reliable and easy to deal with. Mark was approachable, respectful, and genuinely wanted to help, not just get the job done. My kitchen unit looks new again, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Presto Repairs again. If you’re looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and a pleasure to deal with, Mark is the person you’ve been looking for and highly recommended!”
Yau - ken Huynha year ago“Fantastic support right from the off. Quick response to initial query. A phone call to explain what could be done, the reason for the proposed solution and an accurate fee quote. The work was of the highest standard. Mark was a great communicator, timely and professional throughout. Highly recommended”
Iain Keith Daw12 months agoAll reviews are genuine, sourced from our Google Business Profile.
Send photos or arrange an inspection and we will provide a free written quote with scope, timings and aftercare guidance.