FRENCH POLISHING FOR FURNITURE NYC

French Polishing is the name given to the process of coating wood with a solution of shellac dissolved in alcohol, using a "rubber" made of rag and cotton wool instead of with a brush. The alcohol evaporates, leaving the shellac deposited upon the wood. When applied correctly it produces what is possibly the finest looking finish for the furniture.

Shellac was first introduced into Europe about the 16th Century, but the term French Polish was not used until about 1820, when the process was developed by a French cabinet maker.

At Olek we've completed everything from:

• Dining Tables

• Leather Top Desk

• Italian Directoire Period Chest Drawers

• A reproduction Chippendale-style writing desk is French polished to perfection to protect its glistening surface.

• 18th century Italian furniture

• 18th century Marquetry Dressing Table

• Italian Chest-drawers

This 1920's piano retained it's original French polished finish. The finish was damaged by the sun, and oxidation, and was dull and semi-opaque.
French polishing removed the damaged finish without changing the patina acquired by the sun-bleached veneer and revived the original luster.

Conservation of French Polish and Other Clear Finishes

• Table or other furniture finishes that are damaged should be conserved to appear original, conserving the patina consistent with the clients goals.

• French Polishing should match original for furniture of the period. High-style French Empire or Rococo pieces will have a mirror polish, much glossier and perfect than is appropriate for most English George I, George II, or George III furniture.

• Dark rings from water-related bacterial discoloration should be removed as non-invasively as possible, chemically bleaching, without altering the adjacent wood, or requiring sanding which would destroy the original patina that is present when the dark ring is removed.

• Other finishes should also be kept consistent with the original, with the use of oil or copal varnishes, and wax. We custom produce varnishes to match as needed.

Pickups & Delivery by our truck throughout metropolitan NY, NJ, PA, and CT

Pickups of entire assembled Eames Lounge Chair may be inexpensively arranged throughout the Midwest and Eastern US, from Texas to Chicago, Florida to Boston.

We arrange pickup and delivery promptly throughout metropolitan NY, including NY and NYC, NJ, PA, and at CT at modest cost. We can arrange for pickup and delivery of furniture throughout the United States east of the Mississippi, as well as all of Louisiana and eastern Texas with a recommended common carrier, TSC Moving (Hallandale, FL), www.tscmoving.com They are very reliable, and surprisingly economical for long-distance moves. Fine furniture deserves the best care, and is worth the trip.