French Polishing
The Art of French Polishing, Perfected
From traditional hand-applied French polish to modern spray lacquering, we offer the full range of wood finishing services — for furniture, staircases, joinery, antiques and period pieces, nationwide.
A Craft Passed Down Through Generations
French polishing is one of the most skilled and time-honoured wood finishing techniques — and one that demands patience, precision, and a deep understanding of the material. Our craftsmen have spent decades mastering the art, and it shows in every surface we finish.
We work on everything from a single piece of furniture to entire rooms of panelling and joinery, and from brand-new commissions to antiques that have been in families for generations. Whatever the item, we treat it with the same level of care and respect.
Alongside traditional French polishing, we offer the full spectrum of wood finishing — wax polishing, shellac, staining, colour matching, spray lacquering and cellulose finishing — so we can always recommend and deliver the right finish for the job.
Our Services
Traditional French Polishing
Applied by hand using a rubber pad in a series of carefully built-up coats, traditional French polish produces an unrivalled depth of finish — a warm, lustrous sheen that no modern product can replicate. It is the definitive finish for fine furniture, antiques and period joinery.
- Hand-applied using traditional rubber pad technique
- Shellac-based polish in a range of tones and shades
- Suitable for furniture, joinery, panelling and antiques
- Full restoration of existing French-polished surfaces
Wax Polishing & Shellac Finishing
Wax polishing gives timber a soft, natural lustre that enhances the grain without obscuring it. Shellac finishing offers a harder, more protective surface while retaining the warmth and character of the wood. Both are ideal for furniture, floors and decorative joinery.
- Beeswax and carnauba wax polishing for a natural finish
- Shellac sealing and finishing coats
- Suitable for new work and restoration alike
- Colour-tinted waxes available for tone adjustment
Spray Lacquering & Cellulose Finishing
For a flawlessly smooth, highly durable finish — particularly on modern furniture, kitchen joinery and commercial pieces — spray lacquering and cellulose finishing deliver results that are difficult to achieve by hand. We operate a fully equipped spray facility for work of all sizes.
- High-gloss, satin and matt lacquer finishes available
- Cellulose and two-pack lacquer systems
- Ideal for kitchen doors, fitted furniture and modern joinery
- Colour matching to any RAL, BS or bespoke specification
Colour Matching & Restoration
Whether you need a damaged section of polished surface restored to match the original, or want to change the colour of an existing finish entirely, our colour matching service delivers seamless, invisible results. We work with all existing finishes and can match virtually any colour or tone.
- Invisible repairs to scratches, rings, chips and burns
- Full re-polishing to match original finish and colour
- Colour changes and tonal adjustments to existing surfaces
- Staining and toning prior to finishing
What We Work On
Furniture
Dining tables, chairs, cabinets, chests, desks and all other wooden furniture — new and antique.
Staircases
Handrails, balusters, newel posts and string boards finished to the highest standard.
Wooden Panelling & Joinery
Wall panelling, dado rails, architraves, doors and all period and contemporary joinery.
Antiques & Period Pieces
Sympathetic restoration and finishing of antique furniture and period items, preserving their character and value.
Kitchen Joinery
Painted and lacquered kitchen doors, drawer fronts and cabinets in any colour or finish.
Bespoke Commissions
New furniture and joinery finished to your exact specification — any colour, sheen level or technique.
How We Work
Every job is assessed individually. We never rush the process — the finish is only as good as the preparation.
Assessment
We assess the item or surface in person, discuss your requirements, and recommend the most appropriate finish and technique.
Preparation
All existing finishes are stripped or prepared as required. Any repairs, filling or staining are carried out at this stage.
Finishing
The chosen finish is applied in multiple coats, with careful flatting between coats to build depth and achieve a flawless result.
Final Polish
The surface is burnished and buffed to the agreed sheen level — from a deep gloss to a soft open-grain wax finish.
Handover
We return the item or complete the on-site works to your satisfaction, with aftercare advice included as standard.
Discuss Your Project With Us
Whether you have a single piece of furniture or a whole property's worth of joinery, we'd love to hear about your project. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation.