What Are the Types Of French Polishing Techniques and Color Choices?

French polishing is a wood finishing technique that produces a very glossy, deeply coloured surface with reflected qualities. It gained popularity throughout the Victorian era and was frequently applied to pricey woods like mahogany. It is best done using a rubbing pad greased with one of several oils. It entails applying multiple thin layers of shellac that have been melted in denatured alcohol. Typically, a soft cotton cloth piece is stuffed with absorbent cotton or wool material. 

It is widely acknowledged that the final finish is the most beautiful way to finish highly figured wood. Compared to contemporary lacquers and varnishes, it is less forgiving and easily marked. It is prone to harm by heat, alcohol, and water. However, because repairs may be easily incorporated into an existing finish, it is also simpler to restore than a damaged varnish finish. No wonder the French Polishing technique has spread like a wildfire trade here in Hobart!

Flaked shellac that has been dissolved in methylated spirit is the basis for French polishes. The colour of the shellac that is used can range from bright clear to dark brown. 

    • Special Pale French Polish - 

Using Special Pale French Polish, a de-waxed version of Shellac, on light and dark woods alike, will bring out the wood's inherent hues. 

    • Button Polish - 

Elm and pale mahogany are two examples of light-coloured woods that work well with button polish's light brown tint. 

    • Garnet Polish - 

Deep brown in colour, garnet polish is primarily used on darker woods like dark mahogany and walnut. 

    • White Polish - 

White polish can be used to light woods like ash and natural light oak. It has a milky appearance. 

    • Black Polish - 

Black Polish is used in the ebonizing process; it is a jet-black polish.

Patience and practice are necessary for French polishing. A spare piece of flat wood should be used for testing, and the polishing area should be in a warm, dust-free space. There are numerous ways to French polish, and each polisher has a unique technique that has been refined over time. 

French Polish comes in a wide variety of hues, and powder spirit stains can be used to produce a unique tint.

The name "button polish" refers to the yellowish colour of the huge discs (buttons) used in its manufacture. Orange is a golden brown, Garnet is a brown polish, and White and Transparent are both clear. White polish, however, can make certain high-gloss work appear milky.

It is important to remember that polishes have an expiration date and should never be used after they have "gone off." With a mere twelve months of shelf life, white polish is the least durable.

French polishing has been a popular method since the 15th century and saw a surge in use throughout the 18th century. Surfaces with an unparalleled high gloss finish are produced by it. Darker, fine-grained woods with deep, rich hues, like mahogany, walnut, and rosewood, benefit from its enhancement. Today's skilled French polishers will typically add an extra finish to the surface to give it a higher gloss appearance and boost longevity. A French Polish finish is typically significantly thinner than any synthetic sprayed or brushed finish, even with a slightly heavier build.