At the finishing stage on select pieces, we implement the old master’s method of French polishing involving a solution of spirit and shellac. When applied to the furniture with patience and care, this technique results in a shiny and smooth surface.

The french polishing process takes time because many shellac applications are made, with several hours of drying time required between each coat. It would be wrong to restrict to one method only, as the artisans usually try out many ways of applying the shellac until they find the one which suits them most. It is imperative to get the level of wetness of the rubber or pad just right; too wet, and a sloppy surface results, with ridges and impressions which would require sanding before the next coat. Too dry and nothing applies to the surface, and the finish remains too thin. Using the right amount of lubricant is also important to get it right. French polishing is an extremely slow process that gradually builds up to provide the most attractive surface possible on furniture.

THE HISTORY OF FRENCH POLISH

The process of French polishing, as we know it, has been around for 200 years, but we can trail its use back to as far as 250 AD. As the name indicates, it was used extensively in France by Victorian-era furniture manufacturers to add a highly polished surface to the furniture pieces made from expensive woods and instruments such as pianos, lutes, and guitars. Since the process was very labor-intensive, many manufacturers abandoned the technique around 1930.

At the finishing stage on select pieces, we implement the old master’s method of French polishing involving a solution of spirit and shellac. When applied to the furniture with patience and care, this technique results in a shiny and smooth surface.

The french polishing process takes time because many shellac applications are made, with several hours of drying time required between each coat. It would be wrong to restrict to one method only, as the artisans usually try out many ways of applying the shellac until they find the one which suits them most. It is imperative to get the level of wetness of the rubber or pad just right; too wet, and a sloppy surface results, with ridges and impressions which would require sanding before the next coat. Too dry and nothing applies to the surface, and the finish remains too thin. Using the right amount of lubricant is also important to get it right. French polishing is an extremely slow process that gradually builds up to provide the most attractive surface possible on furniture.