Good to know
French polishing questions
What is French polishing?
It's a traditional finishing method, many thin coats of shellac, hand-rubbed to a deep, warm shine. It's the classic finish on fine and antique timber.
Can you fix water rings or heat marks?
Usually, yes, white rings, marks and dull patches can be lifted and blended back into the finish. Send us a photo and we'll tell you.
Can you match my existing finish?
Yes, we colour-match repairs and touch-ups so they disappear into the original.
Do you pick up and deliver?
Yes, carefully, across all of Melbourne, by arrangement.
What exactly is French polishing?
French polishing is a traditional hand technique that builds up many fine layers of shellac to give timber a deep, warm shine that enhances the natural grain. It is a craft finish rather than a sprayed coating, which is why it suits fine and antique furniture so well.
How is French polishing different from lacquer or varnish?
Lacquer is sprayed and harder-wearing but difficult to repair once marked, whereas French polish is applied by hand and can be spot-repaired and blended in later. For antiques and heirloom pieces, French polish keeps the character that a modern coating would flatten.
Can you fix white water or heat marks on a polished table?
Often yes. White cloudy marks sit in the finish rather than the timber, and one of the advantages of a shellac finish is that these can usually be repaired and blended without redoing the whole surface.
Can you repolish just a damaged section rather than the whole piece?
In many cases we can repair and blend a localised area, which is one of the real benefits of French polish over a sprayed finish. We assess the surface first and recommend the least invasive fix that will look right.
Does French polishing need special care afterwards?
A polished surface is beautiful but softer than modern lacquer, so it is best kept away from standing water, alcohol and heat. We give you simple care guidance so the finish lasts, and any marks that do appear can generally be repaired.
