How to French Polish - Woodworking Finish with Shellac

How to French Polish! Finishing is one of the most important aspects to any woodworking. The shellac used in French polishing will give your furniture a beautiful lustrous appearance with a deep colour and chatoyancy!
I like to show you how to apply a French Polish.

Materials:
Shellac Flakes
Alcohol (Denaturated)
Pumice (FFFF grade)
Mineral Oil
Cloth (linen or cotton)
Wool or Gauze

About French Polish:

Other French Polishing Videos I like to recommend:

Deutsche Schellack Politur Videos (German)

[josephefasciani]

I'm 76 in Feb, a BC Dept of Labour Certified Journeyman Carpenter 1974, and this is absolutely the BEST wood- finishing video I've seen yet on YouTube! This fellow's low-key but very experienced, w/o boasting or showing off, unlike nameless others.

[dpeter]

This is the first time in decades of wood working and finishing that I've seen a demonstration by someone who actually knows how to do this finish! Outstanding instructional video!

[timadams]

Thank you so much Fabian. I have been polishing now for 10 years and despite tuition and countless books read I have always had problems "finishing the finish", i.e. removing the final streaks which can be seen under direct light. I sat and watched your video today, followed your methods exactly, and got my best result yet ! I can`t thank you enough honestly.

[franciscoluna]

I have seen tons of videos about Shellac and French Polishing and I find this video to be the most concise, simple and precise one to tell everything about the technique.

[krzysztofanigacz]

Have to give a shout out to Fabian. i am a professional restorer in NYC with 20 over 20 years experience and been pandemic watching you tube and this is the only video with proper instruction on how to French polish. Amazing that the English call shellac out of a can "French polish" !!!

[donjohnson]

Excellent video, Fabian! My first job, in southern England, was working with a true artisan antique restorer on to-die-for Euro antique pieces. This was some 40+ years ago. He specialized in French polishing because of the amazing 3-dimensional effect it had on grain-patterns. He always used a circular motion when polishing - never, ever straight-lines - as he felt this magnified the 3-D effect. Layers upon layers of circular patterns magnified the depth of the grain patterns. He also would add a small amount of oil to the polish-mix, and then de-oil the next day after the finish had set before adding the next micro-layer of polish. A typical finish would take at least a week but the end result was absolutely astounding! As to durability, some of the pieces that we worked upon were very old. The damage we were repairing wasn't due to the finish failing, it was physical damage - scratches, water-marks, etc.

[edadpops]

yours is one of the best tutorials on french polish Ive ever seen, you cover it all thanks

[carinaj]

Very informative and (thank goodness) no distracting music. Easy to follow. Thanks for sharing Fabian!

[donhall]

An excellent tutorial; I french polished my guitar and it has always looked beautiful, even though I had never tried this technique before. I think the best thing about french polishing is that you can achieve any level of gloss; it's done when you like the way it looks.

[richardlove]

I'm a time served tradesman carpenter joiner, I've always wondered how to French polish and now I know. I have only heard of "French polishers" and their mystical ways whispered secretly round the building sites, so thanks for making it available to us lowly wood workers and a heart felt thanks to you for the way you put this vid together, cheers !

[ValendianCrafts]

I thought this was going to be too difficult to accomplish. But I gave it a try, and I'm surprised of the finish I've got. Excellent tutorial, your tips took my work from a pleasant satin to a really high gloss. Thank you very much for sharing this!

[ritamariekelley]

Best description of the ancient art of French Polish.

[bobs]

You've made me change my mind on shellac! I now see the beauty in the process

[rudymartin]

Hi I have been French Polishing Piano's for 17 years and I have googled many videos on the process. I must say if you want to do it this man really does Depict the REAL REAL REAL Process of this ART, patient is the answer. Well done Fabian it's a pleasure to watch you FANTASTIC. WITH FULL RESPECT. Rudy.

[kingfisherblues]

My friend, you are only the second person I have seen do a video who understands how to do a French Polish correctly! Your English is very good, and your skills second to none. Nice work!

[andrewarthurmatthews]

When at London College Of Furniture I was taught that your charged ‘rubber ‘ ought to be as damp as a ‘dogs nose ‘ As a full time restorer of antique furniture this tip has never let me down.

[woodmadegood]

Watched a few videos- this was the most thorough while being as to the point as possible. Thanks Fabian.

[labrat]

It is only after doing a couple of French polishing projects that I fully appreciated how good this video guide really is.

[johngeddes]

You have very fine teaching skills, Fabian. I can put to use everything you talked about. You have completely demystified the entire process for me. Thanks!

[gibbyrockerhunter]

Just to affirm what everyone is saying. This is the best video I have seen on the subject. Thanks for your content!