A Finish That Lets the Music Shine
There’s a special moment when a beautifully finished piano catches the light. The wood seems to glow from within; the grain has depth you can almost step into. That effect isn’t accidental. For generations, fine pianos have been finished by hand using French polishing — a traditional technique that creates a deep, glass-like sheen while remaining wonderfully sympathetic to the instrument’s timber and character.
In an age of quick sprays and mass production, French polishing remains the most authentic, repairable and elegantway to finish a piano. It respects the wood, preserves the cabinet’s personality, and complements the craftsmanship under the lid. For owners of heirloom uprights and concert grands alike, it’s the finishing method that simply looks right — and lasts when cared for well.
As a Hampshire-based team serving London, Surrey and West Sussex, we carry out French polishing for pianos that deserve time-honoured attention. This guide explains what the method is, how it’s done, why it’s preferred for fine instruments, and how to look after a French-polished finish for years of everyday enjoyment.
Short answer for searchers: French polishing is a hand-applied shellac finish built up in ultra-thin layers. It gives pianos a deep, period-correct lustre that’s easy to maintain and repair, making it the gold standard for heritage instruments and premium restorations.
A Brief History: From 19th-Century Workshops to Today’s Finest Pianos
French polishing rose to prominence in the early 1800s as makers sought a finish that would reveal — not mask — the beauty of fine veneers such as mahogany, walnut and rosewood. Using shellac dissolved in alcohol and applied with a soft pad (the traditional “rubber”), craftsmen built up dozens of ultra-thin coats that cured quickly and could be refined between applications.
Unlike thick coatings, French polish sits close to the wood. That proximity allows light to travel through the finish and reflect back from the fibres beneath, giving that unmistakable sense of depth and “inner glow”. Furniture makers embraced it; piano makers did too, pairing a refined cabinet with the musical engineering inside.
Two centuries on, the method still appeals for the same reasons: authenticity, beauty, and repairability. While modern spray finishes have their place, French polishing remains the choice for restoration and high-end refinishing where tradition and detail matter most.
What Exactly Is French Polishing?
French polishing is not a product; it’s a process. The material is shellac — a natural resin — applied in extremely thin layers using a cotton or wool pad wrapped in soft cotton. The pad is charged with shellac and lubricated with a drop of natural oil to help it glide.
Each pass lays down a microscopic film. Dozens of passes create a finish that’s remarkably smooth, reflective and thin. Because it’s thin, the finish moves with the wood; because it’s hand-applied, it follows contours perfectly and enhances rather than hides the grain.
Why Shellac?
- Optical depth: light penetrates and reflects back through the layers, creating warmth and clarity.
- Repairable: small marks can often be blended without stripping the entire piano.
- Traditional and authentic: ideal for period and heirloom pianos.
- Fast curing between coats: enables meticulous building and refining of the surface.
The French Polishing Process (Step-by-Step)
Every piano is unique, so the sequence is adapted to the cabinet, veneer and desired sheen. In principle, the craft follows these stages:
1) Careful Preparation
- Assessment of veneer condition, sun fading, micro-scratches and previous finishes.
- Cleaning the surface and, if required, removing old polishes that obscure the grain.
- Fine sanding and levelling to create a perfectly smooth foundation (respecting veneers and edges).
- Dust-free environment — essential for a flawless final surface.
2) Sealing and Pore Filling
- Seal coats of shellac establish an even base.
- On open-pore woods (e.g., walnut), traditional pore filling techniques are used to achieve a smooth, glassy result while preserving natural texture.
3) Bodying Up (Building the Finish)
- The pad (“rubber”) is charged with shellac and worked in overlapping motions.
- Circular and figure-eight passes distribute material evenly.
- Ultra-thin layers build gradually; patience is the hallmark of quality.
4) Spiriting Off
- Using alcohol alone (no shellac), the surface is lightly worked to remove any oil traces and refine clarity. This step gives the finish its crisp, clean glow.
5) Level, Repeat, Refine
- The process cycles — build, settle, refine — until the desired depth and uniformity are achieved.
- Edges, mouldings and curved lids are treated with particular care to maintain crisp lines and avoid build-up.
6) Final Sheen and Protection
- The final sheen (from elegant satin to mirror-gloss) is set by the restorer and owner’s preference.
- The result is thin, even, reflective and true to the timber beneath.
French Polishing vs Modern Spray Finishes
Modern polyurethane and polyester coatings offer speed and high resistance, but they’re thicker and can sit “on top” of the wood. On some contemporary instruments this is fine. On heritage or high-end pianos, though, the look can feel a little flat or “plastic”.
French polishing differs in several key ways:
- Thin film, big depth: the finish enhances colour and figure rather than masking it.
- Warmth and authenticity: ideal for period cabinets and heirloom instruments.
- Repairability: local damage can often be blended, avoiding full strip-downs.
- Tactile quality: a French-polished cabinet feels silky and organic, not plasticky.
For owners who value appearance, heritage and serviceability, French polishing remains the gold standard.
Why French Polishing Suits Pianos So Well
A piano is both a musical instrument and a centrepiece of the room. French polishing honours both roles:
- It presents the wood at its best.
The finish emphasises figure and colour in veneers that deserve to be seen. - It’s sympathetic to the cabinet.
The thin film moves with seasonal wood changes more gracefully than heavy coatings. - It’s maintainable.
Minor marks can be eased without stripping the whole case — particularly important for family homes and teaching studios. - It aligns with restoration ethics.
For premium rebuilds, clients rightly expect a finish that suits the piano’s era and design language.
(Note: French polishing is an external finish; it does not change tone production. Tone depends on strings, soundboard integrity, hammer voicing and regulation.)
Common Misconceptions — Calmly Debunked
“French polish is too delicate.”
It is a traditional finish, yes — but when properly applied and cared for, it’s robust for daily life. It also has a key advantage: repairs blend in far more gracefully than with thick modern coatings.
“Any polish will look the same.”
The optical depth of French polish is unique. Thick coatings reflect at the surface; French polish seems to glow from within.
“It takes forever.”
Quality takes time, but modern workshop planning streamlines the process without cutting corners. What matters is a properly built finish that rewards you every day thereafter.
“It’s just cosmetic.”
Appearance matters in a piano — it shapes how you feel when you sit down to play. A beautiful cabinet invites use. And because French polish is maintainable, the instrument stays beautiful.
Caring for a French-Polished Piano
Good care is mostly common sense. A few simple habits will keep your finish looking exceptional:
- Placement: avoid direct sunlight, radiators and stoves. UV fades timber and can dry finishes prematurely.
- Dusting: use a soft, clean, dry cloth. Avoid household sprays or silicone products.
- Spills: wipe gently and promptly with a slightly damp (not wet) cloth, then dry.
- Micro-scratches: many can be reduced during periodic professional maintenance — do not rub aggressively.
- Environment: consistent temperature and moderate humidity help the cabinet and action parts alike.
When Is French Polishing the Right Choice?
Consider French polishing if:
- The piano is an heirloom or period instrument whose veneers deserve a sympathetic, repairable finish.
- The cabinet has become dull, crazed, sun-faded or heavily micro-scratched.
- You’re commissioning a premium restoration and want the result to look as good as it sounds.
- You value authenticity and want the piano to feel as though it has always looked this way.
If your piano is modern and designed around a thick, high-gloss polyester, a contemporary spray may be more appropriate. A good restorer will advise honestly which path suits your instrument.
Choosing a French Polishing Specialist (UK Checklist)
Before you commit, use this quick checklist:
- Specialist experience with pianos, not just furniture.
- Respect for originality — repair where possible, replace only where necessary.
- Clear explanation of process, timeline and aftercare.
- Local coverage in London, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.
- Insurance and careful handling during collection/return.
- Option to combine with restoration where needed (action work, voicing, etc.).
- Portfolio of finishes (satin through mirror gloss) and veneer knowledge.
FAQs: French Polishing for Pianos
1) What exactly is French polishing?
A hand-applied shellac finish, built up in ultra-thin layers using a soft polishing pad. It produces an elegant, deep lustre that celebrates the piano’s natural timber.
2) Will French polishing affect the sound?
No. It’s an external cabinet finish. Tone depends on strings, soundboard, hammers and regulation — not the outer polish.
3) Is it suitable for all pianos?
It’s ideal for heritage and high-end instruments. For modern polyester cabinets, a contemporary finish may be more appropriate. We’ll advise what best suits your instrument.
4) How do I look after a French-polished finish?
Keep the piano out of direct sun and away from heat sources. Dust gently with a soft cloth and avoid silicone sprays or abrasive cleaners.
5) Do you offer French polishing in my area?
Yes — we serve London, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, with safe, insured collection and delivery.
Where French Polishing Fits Within a Full Restoration
Many owners choose French polishing as part of a comprehensive restoration: action rebuild, selective or full restringing, damper renewal, voicing and regulation, then refinishing. The integrated approach means the piano both plays and looks its best, with stability that endures.
If your instrument mainly needs exterior renewal and light mechanical care, French polishing can be undertaken alone, with an honest conversation about priorities and outcomes.
The Look You Fell in Love With — Brought Back, Beautifully
Owners often tell us French polishing makes their piano feel “like itself again”. The cabinet glows; the room feels more welcoming; you’re drawn to sit and play. That is the quiet magic of a finish that respects the timber and the tradition. It doesn’t shout — it shines.
If your piano has lost its lustre, or if you’re planning a restoration that deserves a timeless result, French polishing is the way to honour both the instrument and the music it makes.
Ready to Restore the Beauty of Your Piano?
We provide expert French polishing and sympathetic refinishing across London, Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex, with safe, insured collection and return.