French Polishing & French Polish Restoration
At BAFRA, we provide access to French Polishing Restoration & French Polishers. Every member has been rigorously assessed and vetted. Our members are all established businesses that are fully accredited and work to the highest standards and ethics.
French Polish Restorers at BAFRA
French Polishing Restoration at BAFRA is where the timeless art of finishing and restoring wood meets the exquisite traditions of French craftsmanship. With a legacy spanning centuries, French polishing represents the pinnacle of furniture refinishing, providing a luxurious and lustrous finish that transcends the ordinary.
Our skilled members are masters of the delicate and painstaking process of French polishing. Whether your cherished antique furniture has lost its sheen or you desire a refined, flawless finish for a contemporary piece, we bring back the allure and charm that only French polishing can offer. We understand the value of preserving the history and character embedded in your furniture. Our restoration process respects the original craftsmanship while enhancing the beauty and longevity of each piece.
Rediscover the timeless beauty of your cherished wooden possessions with the magic of French Polishing Restoration. Contact a BAFRA member about your treasured pieces and let us unveil their hidden splendour. Discover the enduring allure of our French Polishing Restoration services.
French Polish Restoration FAQs
What is French polishing?
French polish is a process, not a material. It is a wood finishing technique that results in a very high gloss surface, with a deep colour and very high sheen. The method gained its name because it was used extensively in France by Victorian-era furniture makers to add a highly polished surface to furniture. French Polishing consists of applying many thin coats of shellac dissolved in denatured alcohol using a rubbing pad lubricated with one of a variety of oils. The technique of French polishing is an excellent method to accent antique wood grain, although it is not resistant to heat, water or solvents.
What is French polish restoration?
French polishing restoration is the process of rejuvenating and refinishing wooden furniture using traditional French polishing techniques. It restores the lustre and beauty of wood, bringing back the original or desired finish. French polishing restoration aims to preserve and enhance the original aesthetics of wooden pieces, making them look as good as new or even better while respecting their historical and artistic value.
What types of antique furniture require French polishing?
Furniture from the Georgian and Victorian eras will have been French Polished, including bookcases, musical instruments, wall panelling, interior doors, and even staircases. It is often applied to wooden tables, chairs, cabinets, armoires, dressers, sideboards, wardrobes, wooden musical instruments, decorative wooden pieces, picture frames, and writing desks. Because these types of antique furniture have been used for many years, they are likely to have suffered a lot of wear and tear. Each of these types of antique furniture can benefit from French polishing restoration to bring out their natural beauty, enhance their aesthetics, and preserve their historical and artistic value.
Why should I choose French polishing for my furniture restoration?
Choosing French polishing for your furniture restoration ensures a level of elegance and refinement that few other techniques can match. This meticulous process offers a lustrous, mirror-like finish that not only enhances the wood's natural beauty but also evokes a sense of timeless sophistication. French polishing has been revered for centuries for its ability to reveal the wood's unique grain and depth, making it the preferred choice for antique and high-quality pieces. Moreover, the method is eco-friendly, using natural shellac and alcohol. Its craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure your restored furniture retains its historical and artistic value while becoming a stunning centrepiece in your home.
When does antique wooden furniture need French polishing?
Antique wooden furniture can become marked or scratched and eventually look worn and old. French Polish is softer than modern varnishes which means that it is particularly sensitive to spills, which may produce white cloudy marks, as does heat damage. However, French polish is simpler to repair, as opposed to traditional and modern finishes, although the process is lengthy and very repetitive. Furniture can be re-stained and colours can be matched. French polishing can restore your furniture back to its former glory, ensuring that the integrity of your antique furniture is not compromised.
Can you match the original finish of my furniture during restoration?
Absolutely, one of the distinctive strengths of French polishing restoration is its capability to precisely match the original finish of your furniture. Our skilled members meticulously analyse the existing finish and wood type, allowing them to replicate it with remarkable accuracy. Whether your furniture boasts a deep, rich patina or a satin-like sheen, French polishing techniques enable the restoration process to respect and reproduce the piece's authenticity. This attention to detail ensures that your beloved antique furniture is not only revived to its former glory but also maintains its historical and aesthetic integrity, maintaining its true character and charm.
Why choose a BAFRA-accredited member for French polishing?
The importance of having antique furniture French Polished by a BAFRA-accredited qualified craftsman cannot be stressed enough. BAFRA members have in-depth knowledge based on more than 20 years of experience in French Polishing and are able to restore the appearance and preserve the patina, avoiding a loss in the value of the antique furniture. BAFRA members undergo rigorous training and adhere to the highest professional standards in furniture restoration. When you choose a BAFRA-accredited specialist for French polishing, you are benefiting from a professional with a proven track record of excellence. Their knowledge extends beyond the craft itself, encompassing an understanding of historical and artistic contexts. Moreover, BAFRA members often have access to a network of experts and resources, ensuring that your furniture restoration is not only skillfully executed but also aligned with the best practices in the industry.
Find BAFRA-Accredited French Polishers
All accredited, full members are required to have at least five years as a conservation-restoration professional (the average member today has 23 years of experience) and pass an exacting assessment on their skills, knowledge and business credentials. Our members acknowledge the importance of continuous professional development to keep abreast of advances in knowledge, skills and technical developments in the craft of French Polishing.
Find BAFRA-accredited French Polish restorers near you by clicking the button below and entering your postcode.