French Polishers in Essex, London & the Home Counties

What is French Polishing?

French Polishing describes the skilled application of shellac to a wood surface. The process of building up fine layers of shellac results in a finish that not only gives a brilliant shine but also a deep lustre that shows wood off to its best advantage.

Traditional French Polishing is a labour intensive process which requires patience and skill; it is typically achieved over a period of time by experienced and accomplished tradesmen.

Historically, French Polish was applied to more expensive woods such as mahogany to provide the ultimate finish. Over time, more modern techniques have been developed, which are less labour intensive, but traditional French Polishing remains the most efficient method and continues to be the simplest way to restore the finish on furniture.

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Restoration of Furniture

There comes a point in the lifetime of furniture when it requires a level of restoration. This could consist of light cleaning to remove accumulated grime or a complete overhaul to restore the piece to its former glory. The finish to the piece may be stripped back and redone whilst retaining the original patination. Damage to areas of furniture will be repaired or replaced and matched in to the original finish using similar materials.

The restoration of furniture is carried out by highly skilled individuals using traditional and modern techniques and materials.

We can transform your tired looking furniture back to its original condition.

If you wish to discuss our restoration services at greater depth with a member of our team, or to make an enquiry about our comprehensive polishing service, be sure to email using our contact form, or by calling 01245 401180 and we’ll be happy to help.

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Our Clients Say:

I just wanted to say how much I appreciate both your and Marks hard work and craftsmanship last week in delivering a superb quality job. I am very pleased with the result. Your care and cleanliness was outstanding and it was a pleasure to have you on site. Look forward to working on further projects in the future. Thanks again

Mark

We are delighted with the results in our tables and will recommend Richard Hopkins to our family and friends. Thank you for the helpful maintenance tips

Kathy & John Lowery

We are so very pleased with the French polishing of our oak staircase. Mark has done a magnificent job and it is looking brand new again. Very polite, meticulous service, and considerate people to deal with throughout. This is the second job they have done for us. Can highly recommend them - an excellent professional job from first contact to the finish. Thank you very much once again

Bill & Carol Playle

As a joinery company we have used Richard Hopkins French Polishers for a number of years for various finishes from spray priming and finishing through to staining and polishing and would highly recommend their professional services. Their acute eye for detail means we are delivered the highest finish which we and our clients require

Furnish & Co

A professional service carried out quickly and efficiently. Mark's attention to detail was amazing. He sanded and polished to ensure that all imperfections and blemishes on our staircase were removed. This has resulted in a top quality finish that is the admiration of all of our friends and family. Very reasonable priced, the highest standard of workmanship and an end result anyone wold be proud to own. I cannot recommend Richard and his team more highly

Mr P Hendy

Richard Hopkins was most helpful in French polishing my baby grand piano which had been badly damaged by exposure to sunlight over many years. He did a superb job and I am delighted with the end product. I was very happy with the service provided and it was a pleasure to deal with him and his team

Jayne

I would like to say, Mark Hopkins has done a fantastic piece of work and has created what we hoped for. He is an asset to you and your company and was a pleasure to have him working in our house. He was professional, polite and thorough throughout his time at our house. My partner recommended you and we are and hope to continue developing, if we ever need any work done of this kind, I will be contacting you again. Once again, many thanks'

Michael & Anna

I have been meaning to write and thank you for the excellent refurbishment completed for the dining room furniture. The table and chairs look wonderful - I am so pleased I decided to go ahead with a refurbishment rather than replacing with new. Many visitors have complemented the work on the corner cabinet and have also asked for your number regarding repainting of their wood kitchens

Cindy & Brian Hatwell

Great work by Mark , really happy with the restoration of an oaks step looks like new. Also the other steps treated . Thanks Sean

S Slater

Excellent workmanship and finish on nine internal oak doors, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Richard and his team.

Michael Moore

Excellent service, professional restoration work carried out

Victor Twyman

Always a pleasure to deal with such a professional firm, once more thanks again for your work on the conservatory frames, the finish was excellent and the client is very happy. Looking forward to working with you again on our next project.

Ian-A & W Gowers Ltd

French Polishers in Essex, London & the Home Counties

What is French Polishing?

Restoration of Furniture

Our Clients Say:

For more information on our services, get in touch.