Reviving the lost art of French polishing. Popular in Victorian
times, French polish is the mirror-like finish that has long been
admired as one of the most beautiful ways to finish wood. Because it is
also labor-intensive, its popularity waned in the 20th century, but that
could all change with the publication of French Polishing by
Derek Jones.
A no-nonsense approach to this antique finish. Simple and
straightforward, French Polishing demystifies the entire process,
demonstrating that this finish is easier to do than most people think.
Essentially, it consists of laying down one thin coat of shellac over
another, time after time, to produce a tough, high-gloss finish.
Get the inside story from a hands-on pro. Now you can easily master
all aspects of French polishing with this complete guide with all the
must-know details, including:
- Techniques for applying layers of shellac to achieve a warm glow
- Step-by-step instructions for restoring an old finish to its former
beauty
- Properly preparing the wood surface before beginning
- Choosing the right products and materials to do the job
- Solving the most common problems woodworkers encounter
- And tips for getting flawless results every time
A good choice for a special project. Since French polishing cannot
be replicated by mass production methods, it is worth learning because
it enhances a newly made piece with the warm glow of a prized heirloom.
And if you enjoy refinishing older pieces, it's important to learn how
to repair this finish - and that, too, can be easily learned in
French Polishing.
