| French Polishing is a technique using shellac, oil,
and pumice stone. It is hand padded onto the work area using a pad of wool
soaked in alcohol with a lint free cloth over it. The shellac and oil is
poured into the pad in the proper amounts and applied to the surface of
the furniture. After numerous coats are applied a deep brilliance and sheen
is produced. Napoleon popularized the technique which was invented by the
Martin brothers in France during the period of Louis XIV. It was inspired
by the Oriental Lacquering technique but is not as durable. Shellac is
not alcohol and water proof but it is easily restorable by a proficient
craftsman and it ages very gracefully.
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