French Polishing & Surface Restoration

Our French polishing service restores the beauty and lustre of wood, metal, and glass surfaces using time-honoured techniques combined with modern innovations. From antique furniture to contemporary installations, we specialise in bringing tired surfaces back to life.

Wood French Polishing

Traditional French polishing creates a deep, mirror-like finish on wooden surfaces that modern lacquers simply cannot replicate. We restore antique furniture, period features, wooden window frames, doors, and architectural millwork. Our craftsmen understand the unique requirements of different woods – from mahogany and walnut to oak and pine – and tailor our approach accordingly.

We handle water marks, scratches, fading, chemical damage, and wear from years of use. The process involves careful preparation, grain filling where necessary, and building up multiple layers of shellac to achieve that characteristic warm glow.

Metal Polishing & Restoration

Metal surfaces lose their lustre over time, developing oxidation, tarnish, and scratches. Our metal polishing service restores brass, copper, bronze, stainless steel, aluminium, and chrome to their original brilliance. We work on window frames, door furniture, handrails, decorative metalwork, and architectural features.

Using progressive polishing compounds and specialised techniques, we remove oxidation and surface damage whilst preserving the integrity of the metal. For heritage buildings, we can match existing patina or restore to factory-fresh condition, depending on your requirements.

Glass Polishing Integration

Many period installations combine wood, metal, and glass elements. Our comprehensive approach means we can restore entire window assemblies, shop fronts, or interior features in a single visit. Glass scratches and stains are removed using our specialist polishing techniques, whilst the surrounding frames – whether wood or metal – receive appropriate restoration treatment.

Common Applications

Antique and period furniture, wooden window frames and sills, doors and architraves, staircases and banisters, metal window frames and glazing bars, brass and copper door furniture, decorative metalwork and railings, shop fronts and commercial installations, heritage building restoration, and listed property maintenance.

Heritage & Listed Buildings

We have extensive experience working on listed buildings and heritage properties where maintaining original features is paramount. Our methods are sympathetic to historic materials and comply with conservation requirements. We work alongside conservation officers and can provide detailed reports on materials and methods used.

Why Choose Our French Polishing Service?

Traditional craftsmanship with over 25 years of experience, comprehensive service covering wood, metal, and glass, specialists in heritage and listed building work, on-site restoration minimising disruption, environmentally conscious materials and methods, and fully insured with detailed documentation available for insurance and conservation purposes.

Get a Quote

French polishing is as much an art as it is a craft. Contact us to discuss your restoration project – whether it's a single piece of furniture or a complete building refurbishment, we'll provide honest advice and a detailed quotation.