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

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.

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.

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