On site in NY

French Polish

Shellac has, through the centuries, been an important or the most important material in restoration processes.

French polishing restoration work
Traditional finish

French Polish

Shellac has been an important, if not the most important, material in restoration processes for centuries.

Growing up with a master French polisher, I didn’t realize at that early age just how significant shellac was. It wasn’t until later that I fully appreciated its importance.

French polishing has been part of our family for two generations. We spent much of our childhood on old yachts, liners, and in our workshop, as our parents and their workers meticulously polished every square inch to a gleaming perfection—this was 50 years ago.

A technique unchanged

The old masters’ methods

Though times have changed, the technique itself has not. It’s remained the same for the past 6,000 years.

We still use the same methods as the old masters, relying on natural pigments, making shellac one of the few non-carcinogenic and non-toxic, high-gloss finishes.

French polishing detail French polishing work in progress Restored polished surface French polish finish
Introduction to French Polish

A safe, natural high-gloss finish

This safe, natural quality makes shellac ideal for objects we handle every day, such as…

Furniture
Violin
Pianos
Leather
Floors
French polished furniture French polished instrument or furniture detail French polish restoration finish
Portfolio

French polishing in practice

See French polishing and restoration work in context, alongside examples of finished surfaces and period pieces.

French polishing project French polished detail French polishing restoration example French polishing work
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Introduction to French Polish

“If you have any items that you need French polished or an item that needs its polish restored give us a call; we can help you.” ~ Branko

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