French Polishing kit

Description

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What’s included?

The French Polishing Kit contains:

• Priory Polishes Raw Linseed Oil – 30ml
• Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer – 1 litre
• Priory Polishes Shellac French Polish – 1 litre
• Fabric for making a French polishing rubber
• French Polishing Brush

The products have been selected to provide the main materials required for preparing the wood, applying shellac and building a traditional polished finish.

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What is French polishing?

French polishing is a traditional method of finishing wooden furniture using shellac. Rather than applying one thick coat, many very thin layers of shellac are applied using a polishing rubber.

The process gradually builds depth, clarity and gloss, producing the distinctive high-sheen finish associated with traditional French-polished furniture.

French polishing is particularly associated with antique furniture, fine cabinets and high-quality wooden furniture where the appearance of the timber and depth of finish are important.

The technique requires patience and practice, but the materials in this kit provide the essential products needed to get started.

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Using the French Polishing Kit

The kit is designed to take you through the main stages of French polishing:

1. Prepare the timber by ensuring the surface is clean, smooth and properly prepared.
2. Seal the wood using Shellac Sanding Sealer.
3. Prepare the rubber using the supplied cotton fabric and suitable wadding.
4. Apply thin coats of Shellac French Polish using the rubber.
5. Use a small amount of Raw Linseed Oil as a lubricant during the polishing process where appropriate.
6. Build up the finish gradually through repeated applications.
7. Allow the finish to develop and complete the final polishing stages to achieve the desired sheen.

French polishing is a skill-based finishing process, so achieving the best result requires patience and careful application rather than applying large amounts of polish at once.

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Shellac Sanding Sealer

Priory Polishes Shellac Sanding Sealer is used to seal the wood and provide a suitable base for the subsequent layers of French polish.

It also helps provide a barrier between the initial sealing coat and the following layers of shellac.

The formulation is made from pure shellac and alcohol and is designed to sand smoothly, helping to create a good foundation for French polishing.

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Shellac French Polish

Priory Polishes Shellac French Polish is made using fine-quality shellac flakes and produces a rich, warm finish.

It is suitable for traditional antique furniture restoration as well as modern cabinet making and furniture finishing.

French polish is applied in many thin layers using a polishing rubber. As the layers build, the finish develops greater depth, clarity and sheen.

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Raw Linseed Oil

The kit includes 30ml of Priory Polishes Raw Linseed Oil.

A small amount of oil can be used during French polishing as a lubricant for the rubber, helping it to move smoothly across the surface while the shellac is being applied.

Only a small amount should be used. Excessive oil can interfere with the finish and may require additional cleaning or polishing to remove.

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French polishing rubber and brush

Fabric for a French polishing rubber

The supplied cotton fabric can be used with cotton wadding to make a French polishing rubber.

The rubber holds and distributes the shellac while allowing very thin layers to be applied to the surface.

French Polishing Brush

The kit also includes a French Polishing Brush made with soft, natural, evenly layered hair bristles.

The rounded head allows the brush to spread shellac smoothly and is useful when applying multiple layers of French polish quickly and evenly.

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How to French polish furniture

French polishing involves applying many thin layers of shellac rather than trying to achieve the finished surface in one application.

The general process involves:

1. Prepare and smooth the wooden surface.
2. Apply Shellac Sanding Sealer.
3. Allow the sealer to dry and sand as appropriate.
4. Prepare the French polishing rubber using cotton wadding and cloth.
5. Apply a small amount of Shellac French Polish to the rubber.
6. Work the rubber across the surface using controlled movements.
7. Allow the shellac to build gradually through repeated applications.
8. Use a small amount of Raw Linseed Oil as a lubricant when required.
9. Continue polishing until the desired depth and sheen have been achieved.

French polishing is a technique that improves with practice. Avoid excessive pressure and do not overload the rubber with polish.

For detailed instructions, hints and techniques, see our How to French Polish guide.

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Important information

• Always test a small area before use to ensure you are happy with the results and that the products are suitable for the existing finish.
• French polishing requires care and patience. Applying excessive amounts of shellac or working too aggressively can result in an uneven or damaged finish.
• Shellac and alcohol-based products are flammable. Keep away from heat, sparks, flames and other sources of ignition and use in a well-ventilated area.
• Always read and follow the safety information supplied with the individual products in the kit.
• When restoring valuable or historically important furniture, consider obtaining professional restoration advice before undertaking significant work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a French Polishing Kit?

A French Polishing Kit contains the main materials and tools required to apply a traditional shellac French polish finish to wooden and antique furniture.

What is included in the French Polishing Kit?

The kit includes 30ml Raw Linseed Oil, 1 litre Shellac Sanding Sealer, 1 litre Shellac French Polish, fabric for making a polishing rubber and a French Polishing Brush.

What is French polishing used for?

French polishing is traditionally used to create a rich, deep, high-sheen finish on wooden furniture. It is particularly associated with antique furniture, fine cabinets and traditional furniture restoration.

Can I use this kit to restore antique furniture?

Yes. The kit is specifically suited to French polishing antique furniture and other wooden furniture requiring a traditional shellac finish.

What is Shellac Sanding Sealer used for?

Shellac Sanding Sealer is used to seal the wood and create a suitable base for subsequent layers of French polish. It also provides a barrier between the initial coat and later layers of shellac.

What is Shellac French Polish?

Shellac French Polish is a shellac-based furniture finish used to create a rich, warm and highly polished surface. It is applied in thin layers using a French polishing rubber.

What is the French polishing rubber used for?

A French polishing rubber is used to apply very thin layers of shellac to the furniture surface. The supplied fabric can be combined with cotton wadding to make the rubber.

Why is Raw Linseed Oil included in the kit?

A small amount of Raw Linseed Oil can be used as a lubricant during French polishing, helping the rubber move smoothly across the surface while applying shellac.

Can I French polish without a brush?

The main application of French polish is normally carried out using a polishing rubber. The supplied French Polishing Brush is useful for applying and spreading shellac during the process and for building up layers efficiently.

How many coats of French polish are needed?

There is no fixed number of coats. French polishing involves building the finish gradually through many thin applications until the required depth, clarity and sheen are achieved.

Is French polishing difficult?

French polishing is a traditional technique that requires some practice and patience. The quality of the final finish depends on surface preparation, application technique and building the shellac up gradually.

Can beginners use this French Polishing Kit?

Yes. The kit provides the main materials needed to learn the basic French polishing process. Beginners should practise on a suitable piece of timber or an inconspicuous area before working on valuable furniture.

Can French polish be used on bare wood?

Yes. French polishing is commonly applied to properly prepared bare wood after the surface has been sealed and prepared for the subsequent shellac coats.

How long does French polish take to dry?

Drying time depends on the thickness of the application, ventilation, temperature and other conditions. Thin coats dry relatively quickly, which is one reason French polishing is built up gradually rather than through thick applications.

Can French polish be used on antique furniture?

Yes. French polish is a traditional finish widely used in antique furniture restoration. However, always establish what finish is already present before beginning restoration work.

Can I use the kit for cabinet making?

Yes. Shellac French Polish is also used by cabinet makers and furniture makers to create a rich, traditional high-sheen finish.

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Important: Always test on a small area first and follow the safety and application instructions supplied with the individual products.