Finally got the nerve to try a French polish on a client's table

Had this old walnut table in the shop for a month, and the owner wanted a super deep shine. I was stuck between a modern lacquer topcoat or going full traditional with a French polish. Honestly, I picked the French polish because the wood just felt right for it. Took me three full days of rubbing with a pad and shellac, building it up super slow. The finish came out like glass, and the client cried when she saw it. Anyone have a good source for pre-made polishing pads, or do you all make your own?

3 comments

3 Comments

keith_bennett1mo ago

My upholsterer swears by the pre-made pads from Woodcraft, but I just use old t-shirt scraps.

moore.beth1mo ago

I've used those Woodcraft pads before and they're fine, but honestly a tight cotton rag works just as well. The key is keeping your pad clean and not overloading it with polish. I just grab a lint-free cloth from the auto parts store, way cheaper than t-shirt scraps.

the_brian1mo ago

Tbh that's not technically a French polish if you used a pad for the whole build-up.