French polishing in Saint Paul, MN is one of the most beautiful finishes you can put on fine wood, and it’s a craft Dale’s Furniture Refinishing is proud to still offer by hand. Built from many thin layers of shellac rubbed on with a pad, a true French polish produces a deep, warm, glass-smooth glow that no sprayed finish can match. Few shops in the Twin Cities still do this work, and Dale brings over 40 years of experience to it.
Our French polishing process
French polishing cannot be rushed. Dale prepares the wood meticulously, then applies shellac in countless thin passes with a cloth pad, building the finish layer by layer over time. Between sessions the surface is allowed to harden, and the final passes bring up that signature mirror-like depth.
The result is a finish that sits in and on the wood, showing off the grain with remarkable clarity and warmth. It is entirely hand-done, which is exactly why it looks the way it does, guaranteed not to have a manufactured look.
What French polishing is best for
- Fine antique furniture
- Tabletops and desks
- Pianos and musical instruments (see piano refinishing)
- Jewelry boxes and small treasured pieces
- Heirloom pieces where appearance really matters
- Restoration of existing shellac finishes
Why choose Dale’s for French polishing
- A rare, specialized skill few local shops still offer
- Entirely hand-rubbed, layer by layer, by one craftsman
- Decades of experience with traditional finishes
- Fair pricing and FREE estimates
- We always guarantee our work
- 40+ years of craftsmanship, local to Saint Paul
A finish worth the patience
French polish is the kind of finish that turns a nice piece into a stunning one. For a treasured antique or a special piece you want to show off, it is well worth the careful hand work, and it can be repaired and refreshed in the future rather than fully stripped.
Call Dale at (651) 748-9465 for a FREE estimate, or contact us here. To learn about other finishes, see our furniture refinishing service, or view pricing.