Replies

1. 
   Gretchen | Apr 16, 2003 02:19pm | #1

   I want to include an instruction sheet so that the eventual buyer doesn't destroy the French polish.

   With all due respect for what I know is a beautiful finish I just don't think it is appropriate for a table top.  I would suggest that you coat the top with varnish (not poly) for a more durable finish.  You can use the wipe on technique.

   Gretchen
1. 
   BG | Apr 16, 2003 02:26pm | #2

   Gretchen,

   We yankees slap a piece of glass on top to protect the finish....from the grandchildren...lol

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 16, 2003 06:39pm | #3

   Great idea BG.  Back in the days when I bought estate furniture for resale, I loved finding a beautiful mahogany or walnut table with glass to fit on top.  Flawless finish underneath.

   One of those was a 1/4" thick, 9" or so square, bevelled on the edges.  I kept it and it's part of my scary-sharp system now!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   Gretchen | Apr 16, 2003 08:27pm | #4

    

   Gretchen,

   We yankees slap a piece of glass on top to protect the finish....from the grandchildren...lol

   That is a great idea and I have been known to do it too.  I would expect to do this on an antique piece.  I just think  an instruction sheet in how to repair a piece of furniture you buy (for hopefully big bucks) at an auction could perhaps detract from the sale. Maybe not.

   Gretchen

1. 
   BG | Apr 16, 2003 09:05pm | #5

   Gretchen,

   I can see your point and its a good one.  However, I can see the finish on a piece being celebrated as in the "way of the masters"...which could add to its value at auction.

   Many years ago I had a guy come out to the house to work on an antique secretary....c1840 england.  He had been a finisher for one of Boston's finest furniture places.  After he repaired the veneer and restored the French polish finish. He gave me a jar of stuff that he made up to use on the piece once or twice a year.  It was waxed base (no oils or sprays) and since we have run out I use a bit of english wax only.

   A hall piece can get abused regardless of the finish, covering it may be the only way, but I would still celebrate the French polish technique...and include instructions.

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 17, 2003 02:27am | #6

   BG, I think your idea is a good one, especially with the presentation you envision.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   sljester | Apr 17, 2003 07:26pm | #7

   This is my first time here and I was intrigued by the catagory. Great idea about the instruction sheet! I'm reasonably new to refinishing but found a wealth of information in Bob Flexner's book, "Understanding Wood Finishing," (available at fine libraries everywhere). I'm in the process of refinishing a 1953 dresser/secretary with shellac and found his information spot on. I also like the idea of the glass top.

   Good luck,

   Steve in Mpls.

1. 
   Biscardi | Apr 17, 2003 07:45pm | #8

   I think shellac is alot tougher than it generally is thought to be- especially when waxed.I put a piece of glass on my desk only after my slob of a boss left a hot plate on it and steamed a white spot into it.

    In Italy most of the high end furniture is french polished. Every few years the wealthier people have a polisher come to the house and spirit on a fresh layer on any worn pieces.

   I would be reluctant to put varnish on a fine old piece.

   Frank

1. 
   wop | Apr 18, 2003 12:23am | #9

       I agree , I think a french polished and waxed finish is resistant enough for a top in a residential setting. Although when I said this in another thread a couple of weeks ago I came across some objections.

      Also new high end furniture is no longer commonly french polished here either . It requires too much time and too much skill. Now you have to find a good restorer to polish antique furniture.(that is if you can't do it yourself)

                                    Philip