French Polishing - A Brief History - (according to our collective)

French polishing is the art of applying a thin layer of dissolved shellac on wood to produce a finely polished surface.

Until the beginning of the 19thC furniture was finished by oil polishing or wax, a lengthy and labour intensive process.

French polish is an adaptation of a process invented in France by the Martin brothers in 1730. It was called Vernis Martin - Martin’s Varnish.

Cabinet makers of the time are thought to have adapted this process for their own and the result of which is - FRENCH POLISH.

Today we use the term on a more generic basis. A French polisher will not only be proficient in this craft but also have a toolbox full of other related skills & finishes that come under this trade name.