UPDATE:French Polishing: Finishing and restoring using traditional techniques by Derek Jones
Mar 07, 2013
French Polishing: Finishing and restoring using traditional techniques
The Taunton Press 2013
$17.95; 112 pp.
We have picked our winner. The comment by tstan47 was picked at random.
French polishing is a finishing technique that produces a beautiful high gloss finish. This book, French Polishing: Finishing and restoring using traditional techniques by Derek Jones, has all you need to know to get that beautiful finish on your projects. The book includes info on:
the history of French polishing
the materials needed
how to prepare a surface
stains and fillers
how to restore a finish
and solutions to common problems
French Polishing demystifies the process and provides tips and techniques so you can master all aspects of French polishing.
Lucky tstan47 is the winner. His comment was chosen at random.
Check back again soon for our next giveaway, Renaissance Intarsia.
Comments
I am just beginning to attempt traditional finishing techniques and would love to learn more about this topic.
i would love to learn french polishing
Looks like a book I could use!
finding more and more restoration work recently, would be a handy reference.
I haven't tried french polishing yet but have seen the results obtained by experts. Would love to learn techniques.
Would love to win the book and learn about this fascinating technique!
I'm interested in this.
I really enjoy french polishing, and would love to learn more!
Would love it, Thanks
I have never attempted French Polishing but could always use this as a reference.
Chris Mobley
http://www.cmobleydesigns.com
I have seen numerous articles/videos on French polishing and there are many conflicting recommendations. Hopefully this book would help to clear up the confusion.
I'd like to make an attempt at this. Thank You.
I would love to have this book.
I just equipped a woodshop a little over a year ago. I am very much a novice, but am learning fast. I am hungry to learn everything I can about the best practices in furniture making. I would very much love to have this book to aid in my education.
Always wanted to try the technique. Would love to have the book!
Always wanted to try and do this correctly, the book would sure help.
Hey I will take all the help I can get. Thanks for the chance.
I fell in love with French Polishing the very first time I saw it. I would love to be able to apply FP to my projects.
I have never tried french polishing but would love to learn it.
I would love to give this a try.
Nothing but good memories from starting with this - and having fun telling people about this fascinating product. My skill is still far from perfect though, and always eager to learn better ways.
Since I'm French myself, I'd like to polish it!
I'd love to give it a shot.
What timing ! I've recently taken up spraying laquer. I've stocked up on supplies for sanding, buffing, and polishing. I am nuts about a beautiful gloss finish. It's the icing on the cake. I would love to have this book and learn the art of French Polishing.
I think that this book can give everyone a world of knowledge, there re so many different methods of finishing and the more you learn the better quality of work you can put out.
I would like to have French Polishing Demystified. This is perfect timing!
Always been interested to learn more about polishing.
Love to get my hands on this book.
would like a look inside
Love French polishing and would be great to have definitive work on the subject. Send a copy down under please. Melbourne Australia :-)
Looks like a great book. Pick me!!
Hello everyone.....
Years ago I rented a video on french polishing at Woodcraft. can't remember author but it was excellent, I supose this is the one, tks
There is an article in an old issue of FWW by the same author. Very interesting. A more detailed version is welcome.
I love working with shellac. This looks like a great next step.
I have never tried it, but would love give it a shot. Looks like a good book.
Would love to give it a try. My fist intro to French polish was grime the fine woodworking article but I never had the right pease for it now I would love to have a better more coprehesiv Gide
I have built several guitars using french polish shellac because it is thin and flexible. My results are good but I know my technique is bad I and would a love better understand what I am doing
My father taught me this technique when I was 15. I used it to refinish a rifle stock on my first .22. The finish has lasted through 45 years of field use and still looks great.
I've see a demo on french polishing, and this book would be a wonderful learning guide to getting the knack with shellac.
I'm making a cherry china cabinet, and am using shellac flakes to make my own finish. This is the second time I've used my own mixed shellac, and love the way it looks. I'm padding it on with wool wrapped in linen. I'm loving the way it's looking, and have a very strong desire to French polish it - but am having trouble finding a REALLY good source on how to go about it.
Love the finish.
I own and operate an antiques and fine furniture restoration/conservation shop and get an ocassional request for french polish finishes. My issue is the time required to build a French polish finish. Most of my clientelle are simply not willing to pay for the level of effort required. Shellac is a beautiful finish but not very durable so given highcost and low strength I don't do a lot of shellac finishes. I do however use it as a base coat sealer on all my restoration projects as it has proven to be the absolute best sealer for contaminated surface which I see a lot of.
Rich
This would be a great addition to my woodworking library.
When I look at this finish, I think, "Wow, I don't have all the necessary power buffers and such to get this result." But really it appears to be relatively simple to produce. When my new shop is done, and when I have the book in hand, I'll have to give it a go! Thanks for the inspiration
I've trying various finishing methods and would love to add this to my arsenal.
Yet another area of woodworking I would love to explore. The book might come in handy. :-)
Enjoyed reading the other comments. I've read a few articles in Fine Woodworking magazine and in the online version about this technique and watched a few videos. Never used on a project. Our dining room table could use refinishing and it would be nice to have a great reference like this book.
I'm always looking for more resources to better my finishing.
I always struggle with finishing. I would love to add this to my woodworking library.
I would love to learn this technique
My late father used this technique using pumice and rottenstone but his notes became saturated with oil and are now totally illegible. This book would help to ressurect the awesome finishes he was able to achieve.
I'm always amazed at what you get with a French Polish.
I used to finish my pieces with "French Glow" back when I took woodshop in junior high. Wonder if this is the same?
What a great opportunity. I've always wanted to learn this technique.
I have never tried this , butI have always of theose who did a french polish.
Not to be mistaken for the amusing dialect spoken in the region between France and Poland. I appreciate how the glow in the polish derives from natural materials-sap from trees and the resinous secretion of insects--mixed with an enormous amount of elbow grease! I take care of a chateau in which French Polish figures prominently. We have one 12'x16' room with panels from the sixteenth century that took 400 hours to polish originally. The technique imparts a phenomenal lustre but is labor intensive.
Sign me up for the drawing, please.
Oui, oui !!
Arisans create fine wood projects, but the finishing technique is what makes the piece endure and capture the beauty of the woods. I would be honored to receive this book to learn more about proper techniques to continue to capture the beauty of wood.
I am currently ready to dive into a new area of finishing in the traditional ways. This book is right down my alley and will definitely be put to good use along with my current woodworking collection. Thanks for the chance to win a terrific book.
finally a good book on french polishing
I took a course at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine a while ago and a finishing course was being taught in the next workshop. I have always wondered about how the amazing finish with the French Polish was done... Maybe this is a chance to learn.
When I was much younger, about 10 yrs old, an old craftsman taught me how to do a French Polish. I am now 60 years old. Although I remember the basics, I have never been able to correctly match the magnificent finish, of the Polishes I did 50 years ago. A book like this, could bring the look I've been trying to remember.
never tried french polishing because it looks very difficult to me...
Great new book......Can't wait to read it....??
Thank you.
Brian.
Working with antique restoration no other finish will do to obtain the period look. American Empire furniture just calls to use french polish. I find it very rewarding to see the layers build up and then buff it out.
A fellow at our wood working guild spent a great deal of time on his French polish. Layer after layer, but in the end it looked unremarkable and he wasn’t happy. I inquired where he learned his technique, and came to find out, it was from watching short videos online and reading a couple of articles. He suspects he might have missed a few of the finer points when it comes to his technique. It just goes to show, that with the right information success is achievable, but without it the end results can be unexpected or unwanted.
Just what I need...along with some other stuff...
Something I have always wanted to try but never taken the time to learn.
Please add me to the draw as well.
The technique would not match the furniture in my house, but would be great for smaller projects, which would also match my time budget! Count me in!
Looking forward to the book.
Just learning about finishing and reading up on it now. French polishing would be a great addition! Please add me to the drawing and keep up the good books!
Adam C.
"Traditional Techniques". Is that code for "by hand?" : )
I have used General Services' urethane & oil finish (after prepping the surface with 600 grit & 4 days of Watco Oil). I apply 3 layers, wiping off between each, drying overnight & sanding between. Then I use the Maloof finish (pure wax, tung oil & boiled linseed oil cooked over the stove in a double boiler) applied with 0000 steel wool. I buff between each after overnight drying. I recently purchased mico mesh from Rockler of 1,500 to 12,000 that I'm anxious to try.
I'm curious to learn more from the book on french polishing.
Roy
I would love to learn new ways of finishing my projects!
I'm eager to learn more about a distinctive process that produces a distinctive finish!
Fingers crossed...
I have the Project in mind, and after I win, I will send in the pictures.
Fine Woodworking has been a great source of knowledge in my journey to learn this craft.
As a beginner woodworker (with some carpentry experience), I trust myself to be able to build things from articles/plans -- maybe slowly and with mistakes, but I know I can get an adequate result eventually.
Finishing/refinishing, on the other hand, is something I still don't feel at all comfortable with -- I haven't done enough of it to recognize mistakes when I'm making them or how to avoid/correct them. So I'm definitely interested in learning more.
I perused George Frank's "Adventures In Finishing" years ago to get a handle on "French" polishing. So this one has to come up to his standard for useful information and humorous reflection. We'll see...
Sign me up for the drawing. I need the book because I am afraid of all finishings.
This is a very interesting topic and I am definitely putting my name in for a free copy! :) Great opportunity for us to advance our woodworking skill. Thank You!!
This is what I've been looking for; a local demo didn't help me much, I bet this book just might!
We use to French polish when I was in high school, back in the 60's and have forgotten a lot of it. I would like to learn how to do it again.
Thanks.
I've always wanted to learn more about this technique.
Another seasonal woodworker here, looking forward to catch up some new tricks here and there. Hope to everyone have fun posting and better yet looking for more info about French polishing as I do. Good luck everyone and of course I would love to have a copy too!
Thank you for the opportunity to learn yet another technique (possibly for free) to apply a great finish for special projects.
GregV
I am ready to learn!
Shellac is great, this should be better!
Great! Looking forward to it.
Tried this once and failed. Once i win this book and read then I will be able to succeed.
Shellac is my go-to finish and it's about time I tackled the "dreaded" French Polish.
g.
One of my goals is to build at least a few guitars in a few years. I'd love to start learning French Polishing techniques well before completing my first guitars. Yes, I do plan to start with classical and steel-string acoustics, but mainly classicals.
I would love to learn how to french polish, I have several pieces of my grandparents that could really use it!
Building mainly decorative boxes, end tables and entry hall tables a beautiful French Polish would make a wonderful first impression. Learning such a finish would be the final touch in trying to do my 'best'.
You never know when the need for a french polishing turns up. This is a good opportunity to be prepared for this occasion :-)
Im pretty new to woodworking, so winning this book would be awesome.
So far my furniture projects have been finished with a antiqued painted finish. Time to move up to a higher quality finish.
This book would be a great addition to my woodworking library. Thanks for the opportunity!
I took a 4 year woodworking diploma course in the 60's and the "french polish finishing technic" was regarded back then as the best finishing one could apply to a piece of a beautifull furniture you spent many hours making. It had to be done properly, otherwise you would have a mess.
But that was before the many finishing products that exist today.
The other preferred method was waxing, and that was beautifull too.
I am definitly going to buy it, to see if the technic has evolved in 50 years.
I'm ready to try French Polishing one of my classical guitars. Love to win the book!
I'm ready to try French Polishing one of my classical guitars. Love to win the book!
I have not tried French Polishing yet. But I may have to purchase a copy of this book and give it a shot. It is a beautiful end result.
i accidently found a new way to antique a project that might interest people.
I was carrying a small chest from my outdoor workshop into the warmer house to stain and finish it. I didn't notice until later but it was spitting rain and I got some small raindrops on the bare wood. After staining I noticed many small dark
spots all over the chest and they just looked fantastic. the rain had made the rainspots more porous and each spot accepted more stain.
This technique (?) works best on soft woods like pine etc.
tom
Does it contain the secret to French Polish without getting a workout ( shot of having someone else do the work )? On a hot day I was able to prove that the addition of drops of perspiration do not add , in a good way, to the polish.
I've tried to "fake" French polishing with mixed results. I've also noticed that various people who do it typically have very strong opinions about the little details of how they do it.
I've always wanted to learn French polishing since not only do you end up with a beautiful result, it seems like a kind of Zen process. I've always be reluctant to really try it since it looks so tricky to pull off. Is this really something that can be learned from a book? I'm certainly willing to give it a try.
Done it once. I'd love the book.
The best way to finish, polish your wood French style that is.
French polish? Sounds like something naughty. Good thing this is not. UK woodworking website and it might be.
Here's my comment!
As a relative novice to French polishing, I could use a little demystification on the subject. Thanks for the opportunity!
would love to try it
I'd love to win this book to learn how to do a French polish finish. That would be a great finish for the guitar I want to build.
I have seen this technic once in a demo at a wood club meeting. I would love to learn how to do it. I'd love to have the book.
Polishing as we speak. Turned to FW to refresh my memory on all the "trade secrets".
Count me in French polishing would be a great skill to know more about.
This would be a lovely addition to my library and a great resource. Learning to do French polishing would be fantastic.
comment
I want this book, even if I have to buy it.
When woodworking the world just goes by. All my attention is focused on the furniture or the exotic wood used to make it. I never had a teacher, however FWW has been my mentor. Often while I work the magazine or you tube is besides me, building me as I progress.
This is something I've really wanted to learn how to do for a few years. A local woodworking store invited an expert to teach a class on this subject, but due to a work conflict, I couldn't attend.
Looks like this book could be a second chance.
Count me in French polishing would be a great skill to know more about.
It is hard to believe I could succeed in achieving this level of finish.
French polishing would be a great skill to add to my woodworking!
I use a lot of reclaimed native Texas woods which I gather by offering to cut down trees when I discover someone in my neighborhood is planning to remove a tree or has a tree that has fallen do to high winds etc. My favorite woods are Persimmon, Mesquite, Elm, Spalted Cottonwood, Silver Leaf Maple, Mountain Laurel and the classic Texas Live Oak.
All of these woods have different challenges to working with them and especially with applying a good finish. Perhaps the most difficult is Mesquite as it's hard to find large staight pieces, the sap is 90% silica, the grain changes direction approximately every 8" but worst of all it is full of small voids.
A woodworker friend showed me a fantastic solution to the problem of the voids. Using a Dremel with a diamond bit I grind a small chunk of bronze or brass into a fine powder. Then I fill the void with a layer of cyanoacrelate glue and cover that with the dust. As soon a the glue is dried I repeat the process until the void is filled.
I then polish sand the wood progressing from 100 grit to 600 grit sand paper and then apply the finish. When completed the wood has a depth almost as striking as Cuban Mahoghany and there are highlights of gold that catch and shimmer in the light. I have long wanted to try this using French Polishing to apply the finish but have never learned to apply French Polish properly. This sounds like the perfect book for me.
This is just something I gotta' learn.
I am very curious as to how to apply it, and why it is so desirable.
I would like to read this book.
i really wanna learn to do this!
French polish leaves such a gorgeous finish. I would love to learn this technique. Please, please, please choose me! I'll be your best friend.
All of the finishing books that I own try to cover everything and kind of gloss over (pun intended) the details. This book looks like it could be the ticket on giving me the confidence to try what I have gathered is an excellent finishing solution. Also I am in the middle of my first guitar build and I have heard that French Polish is a great guitar finish. I'd love love love to have this book.
I've been using a more traditional finish lately: carnauba wax and bees wax, it works well; tung oil has been good too. Now for new venture!
Been learning this awesome technique! Would be a great book to have.
Yes I have traditionally french polished my pieces for years - a great and forgiving finish and a real joy to apply - always interested in reading new material on the subject in regard to possible "hidden secrets" re this very challenging wood finishing method.
I am getting ready to start finishing my first shaker table (actually my first table) and have been stressing on the correct methods to make this the perfect project - something like this would be definitely go a long way to relieving that stress!
Something I've almost decided to try many times.
Achieving a good French polish would be a ton of work, but something to really be proud of. I wuold love to win the book.
I am working on a project now that i would like to try this on when it is finished. I love to learn new ways to do things with wood and this looks interesting, beautiful and new to me.
A the rip old age of 65, your French Polishing book reminds me of my carpentry training in 1964. I was asked by the School Principal to undertake the task of "French Polishing" a set of speakers that were to be presented to a teacher.
I accepted the task, wirhout any experiance. The project was finished and I was very pleased with the knowledge I gained in doing a project that could have done by the painting shop but given to me.
Your truly, Dennis Doyle
35 Beaver Crescent, Haligax Nova Scotia, Canada.
Would love to learn how to do this.
I have two major projects that need to be completed. The refinishing of a drop-leaf table and a buffet with a roll-out table. I am intrigued by the prospect of a finish that will not only restore the furniture but improve the appearance and enhance the value. A French Finish seems just the touch I need.
Shellac is my finish of choice, and French polishing represents the ultimate in fine traditional finish. I'd love to learn the technique.
In 1998 I inherited a number of beautiful pieces of furniture from my Grandmother when she passes. At the time I was living in an apartment with little in the way of resources and had no where to put all of the furnishings, so I made the regrettable decision to part with most of the pieces.
I did hold onto a wonderful square Mahogany side table that since then bounced around from place to place with me, getting its fair share of use and abuse.
Now, somewhat older, I own a house with a small garage shop and have been waiting for the opportunity to restore the piece but really am kept from starting in as I have no Idea how to recapture the beauty of the original finish.
This book looks as though it would cover in detail how to refinish the piece and restore it to it's original splendor. It would certainly give me just the kick-start I need if I were to win it!
Tried it once on a hardwood box. It was great joy seeing the woodslowly turn into a hard luster. Got a lot of physical workout, too, as a bonus!
This would be a great birthday gift.
Learning how to French Polish would have to be a highlight of my hobby career.
Me and shellac don't get along very well. I could use the info.
I have never had much luck with Shellac either, so this book might demistify some of my troubles.. thank you for offering it!
When I was faced with refinishing one of my acoustic guitars a few years ago, I decided to do it with a French Polish top coat - actually many, many topcoats. The biggest problem I had was deciding which of several texts to follow in the process since I had zero knowledge of French Polishes prior to that point. The finish came out great, but I'm sure I over did it and could have saved a lot of time if I had one reliable source, rather than piecing together 4 or 5 different sources on one step or another in the process. I can't wait to see Mr. Jones has to say and how he presents it.
Anything tha helps to improve my work will be lovingly treasured.
I am still a novice when it comes to French polishing. While I was stationed in England I had the pleasure of working with a master carver and woodworker, he was extremely talented and made French polishing look simple. The furniture he polished was absolutely beautiful. I would love to learn more about this finishing technique!
Have used shellac for years on smaller items (flutes), but haven't seen the same success on larger projects (blanket chests). Perhaps this book holds the key...
I have never french polished any thing yet, want to learn how, and I think that this book like my other Taunton Press would be a great teaching book. It would look great in my Taunton Press library collection and with my Fine Woodworking magazine collection.
Thanks for the opportunity to win this great book.
I want this book!
I have left lots of comments for lots of book give-away. Maybe this time is the charm??
I've always wanted to learn these finishing techniques. It's always easier with a good book in hands.
This method is not that usual in Sweden, only on the really high end items. I´m a teacher and I would like to teach my students this form of finishing and thus spreading the technique to a larger audience
I've used shelac for years, but only as a brush on. I'd like to learn more about French polishing.
Would love to read this text and review it. I'm married to a french woman and french woodworking has always intrigued me. I own a number of period texts already.
I've long since apprehensively clung to boiled linseed oil and such.This book may be the very catalyst I need to try something this advanced.
I hope French Polishing invloves using a littleTung oil. Get it...French Polishing--Tung oil? Even if it doesn't, I would really like to have a copy!
Though I have used shellac frequently, I have never used the French-polishing method. I look forward to reading the book.
I would love to have this book and to learn french polishing.
This would definitely be helpful.
I have struggled with learning to French Polish. I would love the knowledge this book has to offer.
Yes, please. Would love to learn this technique.
I could really use this book and would could learn from this book.
Looks like a book everyone could use!
Brand new to woodworking. This book would be really helpful.
Yes, I need it so I can finally do it right.
I think this would finally teach me the proper way of French Polishing instead of my flawed “Wax-On (right hand), Wax-Off (left hand)” technique.
Seems like a difficult, labor intensive technique. Would be interesting to learn a bit more.
The results of my attempt at French polishing clearly indicates I need professional help with this procedure.
French polishing is a just about forgotten method of getting a marvellous lustre. It needs more attention
This sounds like a great book, I'd love to have it!
Have always admired the lustre of the french polish finish, yet it always seemed too complicated to achieve properly.
Would like to give it a go finally, with the help of this book. Thank you.
I have tried this method a couple of times with limited success. I am apparently missing something in the technique, preparation, etc. This book looks like it includes all of the instructions and details that may let my finishes look like they should.
I tried my hand at french polishing for the first time a couple months ago. I built a ukulele and chose to finish with a french polish. I had everything around the house except pumice. Didn't quite come out as well as I would have liked. A little advice and some more practice is in order.
French Polishing - Where does that name come from? I had no clue. After looking at the above comments and doing a little searching, I noticed the process uses clean rags - mostly white ones. Sooooo.... it is my guess that the name comes from re-purposing the "Surrender Flags" so often seen in French battles. Thus "French Polishing" - gotta use 'em for something after the conflict is over.
French Polishing - Where does that name come from?
I would love a chance, Thanks
Tried a few finishing techniques so far and French Polishing seems to be a logical step forward. I will be giving it a try.
Always sounded like a complicated process. Maybe more about time than complexity?
I have a Pennsylvania library table that needs the surface refinished. I will need to match the existing french polish, so will need to work on technique! I am sure this book would help immensely. thank you for the opportunity.
This might be the very book i have been looking for, i have had a few attempts at french polishing using a very old book but find it difficult to understand some of the terms.
This could be the answer for me, and i appreciate the chance to enter, good luck to all Ian.
As a novice woodworker, I'm always trying to perfect the craft. This would be a great resource book to own!
As a novice woodworker, I'm always trying to perfect the craft. This would be a great resource book to own!
Always trying to fine the perfect finish to make that latest project really "pop." This book may be a great help in expanding this woodworker's capabilities!
Hooray Books!
I would really like to have this book.
If I not win the book I wil buy this book!!!!!!
Went to wipe on finishes recently and found them to give me a fantastic finish especially since I don't have a HVLP sprayer
Another hat in the ring..:>)
I tried it once with mixed results.
Hi, I would like to be included. Thanks. Joe
FROM SHOP CLASS IN THE EIGHTH GRADE I WAS AFRAID TO USE SHELLAC. I MUST HAVE HAD A POOR TEACHER BECAUSE TODAY I USE IT ALL THE TIME. THE ONLY THING I HAVE NOT REALLY DONE IS TO DO FRENCH POLISHING..
I received my copy of French Polishing and I read it from cover to cover in 1 day. I re-read the book again yesterday so I could understand the procedures a little better as some of the words and terms were over my head. After reading the book again, I am certain I can attempt my first French Polish and I have a project planned. I cannot wait for the spring time weather to arrive so I can open my shop up and try these techniques.
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