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.
Music Festival for performers and guests Our 10th
18-06-2022 01:30PM
The Morecambe Bay Piano Group was set up to extend
11-12-2021 02:00PM
The Morecambe Bay Piano Group was set up to extend
08-01-2022 02:00PM
The Morecambe Bay Piano Group was set up to extend
12-02-2022 02:00PM
Polyester and Pianos.
Polyester began as a group of polymers in W.H. Carothers' laboratory. Carothers was working for DuPont at the time when he discovered that alcohols and carboxyl acids could be successfully combined to form fibres.
Polyester as a polish is a three-component paint that utilizes the resin, catalyst and accelerant. Thanks to its tight molecular structure, polyester has a solid content which gives the product superior mechanical and chemical resistance to scratches
The application of Polyester finishes requires specialized equipment and machinery to produce a quality product. Polyester is specified when high scratch resistance and 100% sheen are needed.
Cleaning Polyester on Pianos
For everyday cleaning, wipe your piano with a clean, damp (not wet) cloth, followed by a clean dry cloth. If more stubborn soils do get on the finish, you may try dipping your cloth in a mild soap and water solution before wiping, and then follow that with a cloth dampened in clear water, and then the dry cloth.