| French polishing is one of the most beautiful ways of | | | | French polish is made by adding denatured alcohol to |
| finishing mahogany and oak antique furniture. It | | | | something called shellac. The shade can be varied to |
| originates from times past when skill and | | | | match the type of wood that is being refinished. A |
| craftsmanship were still important, and a time when | | | | rubbing pad, often made of cotton wool wrapped in |
| furniture makers were more than willing to spend | | | | a square of white cotton is used to apply the polish |
| time creating the perfect finish to a quality piece of | | | | to the piece of furniture. |
| furniture. | | | | The polish is applied in circular motions and is |
| French polishing is not a product as some people may | | | | extremely time intensive. The coats are built up |
| think, but it is an actual technique of wood finishing. It | | | | slowing by using many applications of polish. This |
| became popular in the late 19th century and was | | | | process can take several days and many coats to |
| used on the most expensive furniture at that time. | | | | complete, depending on the piece and the number of |
| Eventually, it lost favour because it's such a labour | | | | applications. |
| intensive process, and this meant that furniture | | | | French polishing can be sensitive to heat, so you |
| manufacturers opted for finishes that could be easily | | | | should be careful to never set hot mugs, or dishes |
| mass produced. | | | | on its surface. The good news is it is also one of the |
| By the 1930s, other finishing methods such as sprays | | | | few finishes that can be repaired, which is why |
| became more popular and this cause a sever decline | | | | antique furniture can be rejuvenated with a little |
| in the amount of French Polishing that was being | | | | work and attention. |
| done, in fact it practically died a death. | | | | The aesthetic value of French Polishing can't be |
| How To Bring A Quality Piece Of Antique Furniture | | | | matched either. Using cheaper, easier finishes does |
| To Life | | | | not give the same quality, nor does it do your piece |
| But when refinishing a piece of antique furniture, | | | | of antique furniture the justice that it deserves. |
| French Polishing is one of the best and most | | | | French polishing was considered a lost art for many |
| effective methods for restoring the pieces to their | | | | years, but today, there are a few of us industrious |
| original luster. It can create a mirror-like finish that | | | | craftsmen that are reviving the art. |
| adds to the appearance and quality of any piece of | | | | If, for example you have a piece of antique oak |
| antique furniture. | | | | furniture that is looking a little tired, you should |
| This is true for antique dining room furniture which | | | | perhaps try to find someone who's an expert at |
| may have to endure every day use, as well as living | | | | furniture restoration and French Polishing. When you |
| room furniture and bedroom furniture. The finish that | | | | see the results of your restored antique furniture, |
| French Polish gives the furniture enhances the colour | | | | you'll be glad you took the time to find a true |
| and provides a warmer look than a spray on finish. | | | | craftsman. |
| What Exactly Is French Polish? | | | | |