We provide an on site polishing service throughout Edinburgh the Lothian Regions and Central Scotland all year round. Our services include all furniture, flooring, door touching up, scratch removal, filling and touching up pin holes, stripping and re-polishing bar tops along with general timber maintenance and colour matching.
French polishers at Richard Stamper have many years experience and are highly skilled at their job. Clients choosing us range from private clients, hotels & pubs, restaurants, commercial businesses & offices, state homes to the Royal Scotsman line. From touching out after the shop fitters have been in, to a high specification for detailed polishing. We have no boundaries in the ways our skills are required.
The method of French polishing we use is the traditional wood-finishing technique used to create a smooth, glossy surface on furniture and musical instruments. The process involves applying many thin layers of shellac dissolved in alcohol using a soft rubbing pad, often made from cotton wrapped in cloth. Rather than brushing the finish onto the wood, the polish is applied using small circular or figure-eight movements. This helps build up an even, highly reflective surface while bringing out the natural colour and grain of the timber.
French polishing requires patience and skill because each layer must be applied carefully to avoid marks, streaks, or uneven areas. Small amounts of oil may also be used to help the polishing pad move smoothly across the surface. Although French polish is not as resistant to heat, water, or scratches as some modern finishes, it is still valued for its beautiful appearance and its ability to restore traditional furniture.
Our “Old School” Traditional hand polishing is a method used to improve the appearance and smoothness of wooden surfaces by working finishes into the wood by hand. We use this process commonly on furniture, decorative woodwork, and restoration projects where care and control are important. The process usually begins with preparing the surface by sanding it until it is smooth and free from dust or marks. A suitable polish, wax, oil, or finishing product is then applied using a soft cloth or polishing pad.
The polish is worked into the surface using steady circular or straight movements. Several thin coats may be added, with each coat allowed to dry before the next is applied. The surface can then be buffed by hand to create an even sheen. Traditional hand polishing takes time and patience, but it can produce a warm, natural finish that highlights the grain and colour of the wood while helping to protect the surface.
We carry out French polishing for a wide range of clients who need high-quality restoration, repair, or finishing work on wooden furniture and interior surfaces.
Our customers can include private homeowners who want to restore antique or damaged furniture, as well as hotels, restaurants, offices, and other commercial properties that need their woodwork maintained to a professional standard.
We may also work with interior designers, furniture makers, property developers, and restoration specialists who require traditional finishing techniques for specific projects. In heritage buildings, French polishing can be especially important because it helps preserve the original appearance and character of historic woodwork.
We can also provide polishing services for items such as tables, chairs, cabinets, doors, staircases, and decorative panels. Each client may have different requirements, so the finish, colour, and level of restoration are carefully matched to the condition and style of the wood.
