The purpose of the finish on a piece of fine furniture – its raison d’etre, to add a little French polish – is for surface protection and figurative enhancement.
The simplest definition of French Polishing is “The application of a glossy surface to timber, by the means of a Lac or Shellac solution”. Shellac being a polish made from the exudation of the Lac Beetle, mixed with methylated spirit.
Though finishing techniques can reproduce a variety of looks in the refurbishment of fine furniture, only time can produce that genuinely antique look – a look that had its roots in the original finish.
If the purpose of French Polishing is simple, (being to seal the timber, and prevent movement due to moisture absorption) but the practice is as complex as the craft is old. It wears well and keeps the dirt out, whilst providing a superior finish. And refurbishing furniture that has been properly finished in the first place is particularly challenging, though, when you get it right, its enormously rewarding for craftsman and client.
French Polishing is a very popular finish for fine pieces of furniture, and the application is an art in itself. The application of numerous layers of polish by a rubber (a pad made of wadding and cloth to apply the polish) until the desired degree of depth is obtained. Then the piece of work is cut back by the craftsman until the desired finish is obtained.
In the hands of a capable craftsman hand French Polishing provides an immaculate finish to your furniture, whilst enhancing the features of the timber.
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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.