We began our jouney in 1982 as a french polishing and restoration workshop based in Nottingham, England.
In a world of mass produced items, furniture restoration, refinishing and french polishing are no longer skills purely for antique furniture. To have a family item restored can preserve memories and provide a unique and personal piece of furniture that is both individual and a meaningful part of your home.
Repairs, re-veneering, contemporary, vintage or antique restoration, lacquering and polishing are amongst our services. All our work is completed to highest possible standards where attention to the finer detail is the order of the day. We undertake all our quotations on a no obligation basis and are always happy to answer any questions or give advice regarding the care of your furniture regardless of gaining work. We perform a variety of finishing methods and techniques to both period and contemporary furniture. Decorative paint finishes, art, upholstery and making furniture are amonst our skills. Distance is no object whether the job be in our home town of Nottingham, the rest of the U.K or Overseas, we are always happy to quote. To arrange a quotation by email, please see our contact page and include a contact phone number in your message or call us during working hours on the numbers shown.
One of our biggest assets is that we really enjoy doing what we do. Hopefully it shows in the work that we produce and in our approach to our customers. Over the last 35 years we have been fortunate to undertake many varied and interesting challenges, long may it continue!
For us french polishing and furniture restoration has never lost it's shine!
Bentley 115cm Traditional Upright Piano in Walnut
Weber 150cm baby grand piano in mahogany polished
Bentley 115cm Traditional Upright Piano in
Bentley 121cm Traditional Upright Piano in Walnut
Steinway model "B" 6' 11" Grand Piano Rosewood
Weber 150cm grand piano Mahogany c2011
Weber 150cm baby grand piano in mahogany polished C. Bechstein, London 4' 8" grand piano mahogany Gors & Kallmann 143cm grand piano black polishedWe are very happy to introduce our next London
12-05-2018 11:00AM
100 years of Broadwoods Barless Grand a Talk by
14-06-2018 09:00PM
Mozart Andante with Variations in G major KV501
11-04-2018 08:30PM
We are very happy to introduce our next London
12-05-2018 11:00AM
100 years of Broadwoods Barless Grand a Talk by
14-06-2018 09:00PM
Practice performing on a Bechstein grand. All
15-01-2020 01:10PM
French Polishing and Pianos
French polishing is a wood finishing technique used on pianos that result in a very high gloss finish, with a deep colour and chatoyancy. French polishing consists of applying many thin coats of shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol using a rubbing pad lubricated with one of a variety of oils.
French polishing became prominent in the 18th century. In the Victorian era. There are some references to shellac in Europe as early as 1590, French polishing was most commonly used on expensive woods such as mahogany or walnut in order to preserve their beauty. Commonly French polished items at the time were impressive pieces of furniture or instruments because they were expected to look good at all times. The Pad is lubricated with oil that then becomes part of the overall finish. the oil helps to stop the pad from sticking and lifting previously applied layers of shellac. , Softer oils such as mineral oil will produce a glossier but less hard finish whereas more viscous oils such as walnut oil and olive oil will produce a more durable finish.
Cleaning French Polish and Pianos
If the item has been French polished, rubbing the surface with a soft, clean cloth is usually ample. You can also polish it now and then with a little wax or even with a tiny bit of furniture cream. Sticky marks should be removed immediately with a cloth soaked in warm, soapy water and then wrung out it needs to be damp, not soaking wet.