Antique Restoration - French Polishing
Oct 21, 2014There is just something about antiques that’s attractive and irresistible. Whether it’s that superb sheen, the years and years of patina, or the simply stunning look of an aged piece of wood that looks as good as new, there is an allure to antiques that appeals to individuals from all walks of life. However, since antiques often go their own rough-and-tumble ways, not all antiques look their best. Though some tired pieces of wood possess great potential to be stunning show-pieces and even functional furniture, granted that they are given a little bit of antique restoration treatment.
Antique restoration is really both a science and an art, but there are various ways to go about restoring antiques – of course varying depending on the material in question and the type of restoration or repair required. When it comes to period furniture, one of the most common necessities with regards to restoration is either in its overall structure (i. e. minor to significant repairs), or restoration with respect to its finish.
Unlike most modern furniture, which are finished with synthetic sealers, lacquers and glosses, antiques pride themselves in the artistry of even the very finish itself. The most popular finish for most antiques available on the market today is the French polish method – a time-consuming, delicate, but vastly superior finish which provides superior gloss, excellent and near-inimitable chatoyancy. And, a superior flourish when it comes to displaying the grain of wood.
French Polish – What You Need to Know
The French polish method is an old-fashioned finishing technique for woodwork said to have been first developed in France sometime during the early 18th century, although its origins may possibly date even earlier than the now commonly ascribed time. It was most popular during the Victorian Era, although some evidence (particularly in the woodwind instrument-making ateliers of the time) suggests that it may have been used prior to the Victorian Era.
It is a time-consuming, laborious, delicate, and often very strict process which involves dissolving natural resins such as shellac in a base of concentrated alcohol, with the resulting solution being then applied to the surface of pre-prepared and fine-sanded wood using an oil-lubricated cotton or linen pad called a ‘fad’ or a ‘tampon’.
This highly complex process involved applying layer upon layer of the resin-alcohol solution using the oil-soaked fad, often in repetitive and very precise and controlled circular motions which not only helped to create a layer of high-veneer gloss over a furniture’s surface, but also effectually permeate into the very grain of the woodwork itself. Because of its ‘layered’ method of application, it possesses a chatoyancy which makes all furniture finished via French polish method highly redolent of the sheen of spun silk, and may even possess a ‘cat’s eye’ reflectivity.
French polish has all but become a lost art due to its labor-intensive application, although nothing save authentic French polishing methods will work for antiques that have been privy to the treatment. If you’re looking for a great place to restore antiques using this time-tested method, Rod Lord’s Antique Restoration specializes in this technique, and many more restorative techniques that is sure to revivify your old, dull antiques into the awe-inspiring treasure that they truly are. For more information on Rod Lord’s Antiques Restoration, please visit: www.lordsantiques.com.au
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