It's a method of applying a variety of shellac-resin finishes. French polishing has become increasingly rare these days, but results in one of the most beautiful finishes a wooden piece can have. It relies on applying hundreds or sometimes even thousands of very thin layers of a shellac-resin mixture.

These thin layers allow the solvent to evaporate quickly.

As these layers build, you begin to see a depth in the finish.

French polishing specialists call this appearance of depth “chatoyance.”

This is term is more commonly used by gem experts when they describe stones like tiger’s eye.

The grain takes on a 3D appearance and can appear to change when you view it from a different angle.

French polishing has the benefit of being a relatively safe, non-toxic option, as it uses only shellac flakes, resins, and grain alcohol (or denatured alcohol, if you prefer).

That means you can safely french polish indoors.

And if you have a French polished piece with an area of damaged finish, it is possible that a master French polisher can repair the area without removing the previous finish.

This makes French polishing one of the best ways to preserve your antique furniture and respect the journey it's had!