DailywellnesshubFrench Polishing and Traditional Shellac Revival
This service is for fine antique tables, bureau desks, and clock cases finished in traditional spirit shellac. We wash away dirt and old wax films, spirit off micro-scratches, and build up fresh shellac layers using a wool fad and raw linseed oil. The result is a deep, warm gloss that highlights the figure of the wood without looking plastic.
What is included
- ✓Wax and grimy buildup removal with mineral spirits
- ✓Spiriting off bloom and milkiness caused by dampness
- ✓Hand application of dewaxed button shellac or garnet shellac
- ✓Pore filling with fine pumice powder on open-grain woods
- ✓Burnishing out brush lines using traditional polishing fads
- ✓Protective coat of microcrystalline paste wax buffed by hand
Request a furniture repair assessment
We review your notes and photos, then call or message back with a realistic price and time window.
Questions about this service
Is French polish durable enough for a kitchen table?
Shellac is sensitive to neat alcohol and standing hot mugs. For kitchen tables we usually recommend hard-wax oil instead. French polishing is best for desks, side tables, and formal pieces.
Can you revive the finish without stripping the whole piece?
Yes. If the original shellac is intact underneath, we can spirit it off and body up new polish without stripping back to bare wood.
Does shellac smell strongly?
It uses denatured alcohol as a carrier. The smell is similar to surgical spirits and dissipates within hours of drying.
What local clients say about our bench work
Julian collected our loose Victorian dining table from our home in Edgbaston. He re-glued the legs with hide glue and leveled the split top. The table is completely rigid again and the surface looks authentic.
Arthur M., Birmingham, GBOur set of four Edwardian dining chairs wobbled badly. They disassembled each joint, cleaned out the old crumbly adhesive, and clamped them tight with new oak dowels. Paid by bank transfer on return.
Fiona K., Solihull, GBDeep heat rings on an oak bureau top were treated and buffed with natural beeswax. The original patina remains intact without any harsh sanding marks. Good communication throughout the repair.
David R., Sutton Coldfield, GBHave a piece of furniture that needs work?
Send us two or three clear photos showing the overall piece and close-ups of the damage. We will call you back within four hours with a clear, honest quote.