VitalbodybalanceFrench Polishing and Shellac Finish Restoration
This service serves mahogany, walnut, and rosewood furniture requiring an authentic, glass-smooth heritage finish. Using a cotton rubber (fad), bleached or garnet shellac flakes dissolved in pure alcohol are built up over dozens of passes. The process fills the open pores, enhances figure depth, and restores the reflective warmth typical of Georgian and Victorian cabinetry.
What is included
- ✓Pore filling using pumice powder and alcohol
- ✓High-grade dewaxed shellac flake preparation
- ✓Multi-layer fad application technique
- ✓Spirit-off passes to remove trailing oil films
- ✓Correction of bloom, cloudiness, and surface dullness
- ✓Deep optical clarity highlighting wood grain
Submit a Repair Inquiry
Your details are used solely to assess the timber piece and return a price estimate.
Questions about this service
What woods benefit most from French polishing?
Close and medium-grained hardwoods such as mahogany, walnut, rosewood, and cherry yield the finest depth under shellac.
Can hot mugs be placed directly on a French polished surface?
No. Shellac is sensitive to heat and alcohol, so coasters and table mats are necessary to protect the film from ring marks.
How long does a full French polishing treatment take to harden?
The surface is dry to touch within hours, but complete curing and hardness stabilization require seven full days.
Why Norwich Clients Entrust Us with Wood
Authentic Period Appearance
The visual depth and amber tone of genuine shellac cannot be matched by synthetic modern lacquers.
Fully Reversible Finish
Shellac remains soluble in alcohol, meeting strict conservation standards for historic antique pieces.
Repairable Without Stripping
Subsequent minor scuffs fuse directly into previous layers during touch-up passes.
Request an Assessment for Your Wooden Furniture
Send us two clear photographs of your damaged item or call our workshop directly. We provide a firm quote or diagnostic reply within one business day.