French polishing
Wood surface technique
French polishing is a traditional woodworking technique that builds up many thin layers of shellac to create a high-gloss, mirror-like finish on furniture.
The shellac is applied with a pad in circular motions, each coat partially dissolving into the previous one.
The process is labor-intensive and requires considerable skill, but produces a depth and luster unmatched by modern finishes: The antique table had been French polished to a brilliant sheen.
Shine or annotation
- lusterSoft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- mirror finishPerfectly reflective surface
- patinaSurface film from aging
depth · clarity · brilliance · transparency · warmth · richness · smoothness · reflection
Resinous wood coating
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- pumiceLightweight volcanic abrasive
- linseed oilPressed flax-derived drying medium
- denatured alcoholEthanol rendered unfit for consumption
methylated spirits · padding · bodying · spiriting off · buffing · circular motion · flatting · cutting back
Reddish-brown tropical lumber
- walnutEdible hard-shelled seed
- rosewoodTropical cabinet timber
- veneerDecorative outer layer
- grainCereal plant's harvest unit
oak · satinwood · ebony · burr · marquetry · inlay · parquetry · hardwood
Valuable old items
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
- repairRestore to working order
- refinishingRestoring a worn surface
- revivingRestoring vitality or consciousness
stripping · color matching · touch-up · blending · damage repair · scratches · fading · rejuvenation
Skilled furniture builder
- luthierStringed instrument craftsperson
- restorerOne who repairs
- artisanSkilled manual tradesperson
- apprenticeshipLearning trade through employment
workshop · hand finishing · traditional · bespoke · mastercraftsman · guild · conservation · heritage
Old valued collectible
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- sideboardFurniture for dishes and linens
- bureauOffice or furniture chest
table · armoire · escritoire · credenza · bookcase · grandfather clock · harpsichord · guitar
gloss
Shine or annotation
- lusterSoft reflected light
- sheenSoft surface luster
- mirror finishPerfectly reflective surface
patina · depth · clarity · brilliance · transparency · warmth · richness · smoothness · reflection · glow
shellac
Resinous wood coating
- rubberElastic polymer from trees
- pumiceLightweight volcanic abrasive
- linseed oilPressed flax-derived drying medium
denatured alcohol · methylated spirits · padding · bodying · spiriting off · buffing · circular motion · flatting · cutting back · burnishing
mahogany
Reddish-brown tropical lumber
grain · oak · satinwood · ebony · burr · marquetry · inlay · parquetry · hardwood · quarter-sawn
antiques
Valuable old items
- conservationPreventing waste or loss
- repairRestore to working order
- refinishingRestoring a worn surface
reviving · stripping · color matching · touch-up · blending · damage repair · scratches · fading · rejuvenation · preservation
cabinetmaker
Skilled furniture builder
apprenticeship · workshop · hand finishing · traditional · bespoke · mastercraftsman · guild · conservation · heritage · skill
antique
Old valued collectible
- cabinetEnclosed storage furniture
- pianoKeyed percussion instrument
- sideboardFurniture for dishes and linens
bureau · table · armoire · escritoire · credenza · bookcase · grandfather clock · harpsichord · guitar · violin
French polishingspray painting
Applying finish via aerosol
powder coating · varnishing · dipping · paint · raw wood
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