What is French Polishing – and do my antiques need it?

Bill Pigeon — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:51:54 +0000

French polishing is a way of finishing wooden furniture with a high gloss surface, and is renowned for brining out deep, rich colours from wood, giving a high quality look and feel.

‘French polish’ is a labour-intensive process rather than a product. It can be a lengthy, repetitive process and for the desired results, an experienced and skilled craftsman should be used.

The process applies layer after layer of thin coats of shellac dissolved in alcohol, rubbed into the finish using a range of motions to ensure maximum effect. This is applied using a fabric pad called a ’rubber’, which is lubricated with one of a range of oils depending on the required finish.

The main advantage of ‘French polishing’ is the aesthetic effect, which is regarded as one of the most beautiful ways to finish wood. It is also a simpler finish to repair than others, as it is possible to carry out ‘patch’ repairs rather than complete re-finishing.

The technique was very popular in the Victorian period. The growth in the market for mass-produced furniture in the 1930’s made the process less popular due to the high level of skill and labour required to undertake it, however it has once again become popular due to its characteristic hallmarks of quality and beauty.

French polish can be a delicate finish to maintain, and it should not be exposed to water, alcohol or hot objects. However, the results are well worth the care required, and repairs can be easily carried out. Lomas And Pigeon will be able to advise whether your specific pieces would benefit from French polishing, and whether partial or complete finishing is required.

Antique restoration – good for your green credentials!

Bill Pigeon — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 16:20:26 +0000

Managing our environmental impact is an increasing priority for everyone. In this blog I’ll explain why antiques are green. Buying and restoring antiques rather than depending on new products is a great way to help our environment.

The recent explosion in low-budget, mass-produced furniture has certainly had its benefits – it’s easy to buy, assemble, and ultimately dispose of. But is this really sustainable?

I don’t think so. As an experienced antique furniture restorer I recognise that we have a responsibility to be green.

For furniture to last, it needs to be well-produced and looked after. Taking more care means that we need to throw less away and minimise our carbon footprint. Flat pack furniture is unlikely to have the longevity of bespoke craftsmanship. Hand crafted furniture is worthwhile in the long run.

Recycling and reusing existing furniture can reduce our consumption. If you have a piece of furniture that you’re considering replacing – why not stop and think whether it could be restored?

Lomas And Pigeon are proud supporters of the national Antiques are Green initiative.