French Polishing
French polishing is one of the most refined traditional wood finishing techniques—and one of the hardest to repair badly. A damaged or dull French-polished surface on a piece of furniture, a heritage door or a period piece of joinery needs someone who understands the material.
Magicman provides French polishing repairs and restoration across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. We repair localised damage and carry out full re-polishing where required, matching the original finish as closely as possible.
What French Polishing Is
French polishing is a traditional hand-applied finish built up from multiple thin coats of shellac dissolved in methylated spirits. It produces a deep, warm, high-gloss surface that is distinctive on antique and period furniture, dining tables, pianos, timber doors and architectural joinery.
The finish is beautiful but vulnerable to water, heat, alcohol and physical damage. Rings, scratches, dull patches, crazing and sticky or cloudy surfaces are all common problems.
What We Repair
We repair localised damage without having to refinish an entire piece where possible.
Common damage types:
- White rings and watermarks from glasses or cups
- Heat marks from hot items placed directly on the surface
- Scratches and scuffs in the finish layer
- Cloudy, hazed or dull patches
- Crazed or cracked finish from age or movement
- Alcohol damage and sticky or tacky areas
- Chips and losses in the finish layer
- Stains that have penetrated the polish
Full Re-Polishing
Where localised repair is not practical—heavily damaged pieces, stripped surfaces or pieces where the finish has deteriorated across the whole surface—we can carry out a full French polish restoration:
- Strip and clean — existing finish removed and surface prepared
- Grain filling — pores filled for a smooth base where required
- Shellac build-up — multiple hand-applied coats built up gradually
- Bodying — the finish is worked to a full, even depth
- Spiriting off — final stage produces the characteristic high gloss and depth
- Final inspection — checked for consistency, clarity and sheen
Surfaces We Work On
- Antique and period furniture
- Dining tables and sideboards
- Piano cases and lids
- Timber doors and architraves
- Joinery, cornices and heritage fit-outs
- Display cabinets and bookcases
- Timber mantelpieces and surrounds
Why Choose Repair Over Full Refinish
In many cases, a skilled localised repair is less disruptive and more sympathetic to an original piece than full stripping and refinishing. We assess each job honestly and will tell you if full restoration or professional workshop work is the better option.
Pricing
French polishing repairs start from $300, depending on:
- size and location of the damage
- whether localised repair or full re-polishing is needed
- surface type and original finish
- access requirements
Send us clear photos of the piece and the damage area for an accurate quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repair a white ring on a French-polished table? Yes. White rings from water or heat are one of the most common French polish problems. In many cases we can remove or significantly reduce them without having to refinish the whole surface.
Can you match an old French polish finish? We work to match the colour, depth and sheen of the existing finish as closely as possible. Exact matches on very old or patinated pieces are difficult to guarantee but we provide an honest assessment before starting.
Do you do on-site repairs or do I need to bring furniture in? We can often carry out localised repairs on-site. For full re-polishing or large pieces, workshop options may be discussed depending on location.
Will a repaired area look different from the original finish? Our goal is to blend the repair so it is not obvious at normal viewing distance. The older and more patinated the piece, the more difficult an invisible match becomes—we will advise honestly.
What is shellac? Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac insect, dissolved in alcohol to make the finish used in French polishing. It produces a warm, amber-toned surface that is characteristic of period furniture and joinery.
How do I get a quote? Send us photos of the piece and the damaged area—include close-ups of the damage and a wider shot showing the whole item. We will advise on whether repair or restoration is suitable and provide a fixed quote.
Get a Free Quote
Dealing with a damaged French-polished surface? Send us photos and we will let you know what is repairable and what the best approach is.
Call 0430 833 381 or request a quote online.
✓ Traditional shellac and French polish expertise
✓ On-site repairs and full restoration
✓ Honest assessment—repair only if it is the right solution