French Polishing

Person wearing a brown T-shirt with white text, black gloves, leaning over a wooden piece of furniture, against a plain white wall.

We offer professional French Polishing services, most commonly used for antique furniture, period interiors and musical instruments.

French polishing is a traditional wood finishing technique known for its rich, glossy finish and timeless elegance. It involves carefully applying multiple thin layers of shellac by hand, gradually building up a smooth, reflective surface. This method doesn’t just add shine — it enhances the natural grain and depth of the wood, bringing out its true character and warmth.

Perfect for both antique restoration and fine furniture, French polishing adds a touch of classic craftsmanship to any piece.

Scroll down to explore past projects.

Traditional • Modern • Repairs

Enquire Now
An old, vintage green velvet armchair with one of its legs broken off, resting on a red textured flooring, with a wooden panel wall and ladder in the background.
Close-up of a wooden and upholstered chair corner with a plain white wall in the background.
A man is working on a furniture piece, wearing a tan apron with the name 'Medhurst French Polishers' on it. He is holding a cloth and appears to be polishing or restoring the furniture.
Person cleaning a wooden bedframe with a cloth, wearing black gloves and a brown t-shirt.
A man with glasses, a beard, and brown hair is looking down and working at a desk. He is wearing black gloves and a brown shirt. The desk is made of dark wood with turned legs and a decorative edge.
A three-tier wooden antique bookshelf with turned legs, banded rails, and decorative finials on the posts, standing on a carpeted floor against a plain wall.
A young man with glasses and a beard assembling or adjusting a vintage wooden dresser or cabinet with drawers, in a workshop with unfinished wooden walls.
A man with glasses and a beard is polishing a wooden table with a cloth in an indoor setting, possibly a workshop or studio, with a cluttered workbench and shelves in the background.
Wooden writing desk with two drawers and decorative legs on castors
Person polishing a wooden table leg with a blue gloved hand and a cloth.
A wooden writing desk with a slanted top, two drawers, and turned legs, placed on a white textured rug against a white wall.
An antique wooden secretary desk with multiple drawers and ornate turned legs, placed on a beige carpet against a plain white wall.
A wooden display cabinet with glass doors and four curvy legs, placed on a textured cream-colored rug against a plain white wall.

Contact us.

joe@medhurstfrenchpolishers.com

07419903312

Unit i, North Dorset Workshops

The Ferns, Back Lane,

Kingston DT10 2DT

Dorset