French polishing and antique furniture finishing in London

French polishing is the traditional hand-applied finish on fine antique furniture. Many thin layers of shellac are built up with a rubber to a deep, clear gloss that shows the grain of the wood.

We French polish and re-polish antique and period furniture in our West Norwood workshop. We repair worn and damaged surfaces and match the colour and sheen of the original, so a repair is hard to see.

Where an old finish can be saved, we clean and revive it rather than strip it.

A carved mahogany leg toned and polished to match the original

What we do

French polishing

Re-polishing

Colour and stain matching

Water marks and heat rings

Scratches and wear

Wax finishes

Reviving old polish

A carved knee toned and polished to match the original — Toned and polished to match

Carved ball and claw foot, polished — Ball and claw foot, finished

Have a piece that needs care?

Send us a photograph and a few words about the piece and we will come back to you with our advice. Visits to the workshop in West Norwood, London SE27, are by appointment.

We work with clients across central London, including Chelsea, Mayfair, Kensington, Belgravia and Westminster, and can collect and deliver your piece.

Get in touch