French Polishing & Piano Refinishing Experts
Restore the Natural Beauty of Your Piano
Traditional Craftsmanship. Timeless Finish
At Piano-S, we specialise in French polishing for pianos — a traditional hand-finishing technique renowned for its depth, warmth, and mirror-like shine.
Whether your piano has lost its lustre through years of playing or you’d like to bring an antique instrument back to life, our craftsmen combine time-honoured methods with meticulous attention to detail to achieve stunning results.
From elegant uprights to concert grands, our piano French polishing service enhances the natural beauty of the wood while protecting it for decades to come. Each project is carried out with the care and precision your instrument deserves.
What Is French Polishing?
French polishing is a fine wood finishing technique developed in the 19th century. It involves applying thin layers of shellac by hand using a soft polishing pad, known as a “rubber”, in multiple circular motions.
The process creates a deep, glass-like surface that accentuates the piano’s natural grain and colour, producing a finish unmatched by modern spray lacquers.
It’s the preferred choice for restoring valuable or antique pianos, where authenticity and craftsmanship truly matter.
Our French Polishing Process
Every piano is unique, so we begin with a detailed inspection before tailoring our polishing approach. Our process includes:
- Careful Preparation – We remove the old polish and prepare the surface without damaging the original wood.
- Fine Sanding & Sealing – The wood is smoothed and sealed for a perfect base.
- Shellac Application – Layer upon layer of shellac is hand-applied to build up a deep, rich finish.
- Buffing & Finishing – The surface is hand-buffed to a brilliant, durable sheen.
- Final Inspection – We inspect every detail to ensure flawless results and customer satisfaction.
Before & After: Restoring Pianos to Perfection
Our French polishing service brings tired, dull, or scratched finishes back to life.
Whether it’s a century-old heirloom or a modern concert grand, the difference is remarkable — a beautifully renewed piano that looks and feels extraordinary.
Why Choose Piano-S for French Polishing?
- ✅ Hand-applied craftsmanship using authentic materials
- ✅ Deep knowledge of traditional techniques
- ✅ Fully insured service across London, Hampshire, Surrey & West Sussex
- ✅ Personal, professional care for every piano
We believe every instrument tells a story — our job is to preserve it beautifully.
Areas We Cover
We proudly offer French polishing services across London, Hampshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.
Whether you’re in the heart of the city or the surrounding countryside, our team can collect, restore, and return your piano with full insurance and complete peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
French polishing is a traditional wood finishing method using layers of shellac applied by hand. It produces a high-gloss, smooth finish that enhances the piano’s natural beauty.
Yes. We work with uprights, grands, and antique pianos of all ages and styles. Each piece is assessed individually to determine the best treatment.
On average, the process takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the piano’s size, condition, and level of restoration required.
No — the process restores only the exterior finish. The soundboard, strings, and action remain untouched, so the tone and resonance are not affected.
Yes. We serve clients throughout Hampshire, Surrey, and West Sussex, with collection and delivery available.
Book Your French Polishing Consultation Today
If your piano deserves the care of true craftsmen, trust Piano-S to restore its natural beauty.
Contact our friendly team today for a free quote or to discuss your piano’s condition — we’ll guide you through every step of the process.