French polishing and re-polishing of upright and grand pianos. Veneer and casework repairs. Please note, we do not spray finish, but carry out all work by hand.
We also specialise in antique snooker tables, billiards tables, antique snooker dining tables, and antique furniture for sale. Each piece we sell is carefully restored by hand, using natural materials, and the best quality products available.
Snooker and billiards items include: antique snooker tables, billiards tables and pool tables, antique snooker dining tables, antique snooker scoreboards, cue racks and accessories, and games room furniture.
Our antique furniture for sale includes: antique dining tables, sets of dining chairs, armoires and wardrobes, antique cupboards, sideboards and dressers, and architectural antiques.
Sourcing Service. If you can’t find the piece you are looking for, please ask about our free sourcing service for antique furniture, snooker tables and accessories.
We provide a French polishing and restoration service for your own antique furniture, snooker and billiards tables and pianos. Details in ‘Services’
Snooker Table Hire We have antique snooker tables available for hire, please see the page under ‘Services’.
Brown’s is based in a beautiful converted barn in the village of Cardington, near Bedford, which has excellent travel links, close to the A1 and M1, and half an hour’s drive from the M25. Please click on the ‘Contact’ page for postcode.
Please phone or email us before travelling, as we sometimes carry out French polishing away from the workshop, and would like to ensure that someone is available to help you. Thank you.
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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.