Why is it Called French Polishing?

The technique originated in 18th-century France, where furniture makers during the Victorian era perfected this method for finishing mahogany and other premium woods. French polishing became the finish of choice for luxury furniture due to its ability to create an exceptionally high-quality, sophisticated appearance. Today, it remains the preferred technique for discerning clients seeking authentic craftsmanship.

How Much Does French Polishing Cost?

We provide fixed-rate quotations based on your specific requirements, allowing you to budget with confidence. Several factors influence pricing including location, scope of work, project complexity, and materials required. For instance, French polishing a large wooden floor demands different expertise and equipment compared to restoring a small table. We offer complimentary consultations to assess your project and provide detailed, no-obligation quotations.

How Long Does French Polishing Take?

Most projects require our standard two-week lead time to ensure proper preparation, multiple coat applications, and adequate curing between stages. Larger projects such as staircases or multiple furniture pieces may require additional time. We provide detailed timelines during our initial consultation to ensure your project integrates seamlessly with your schedule.

What Types of Items Can Be French Polished?

We specialise in French polishing an extensive range of wooden items:

• Antique and modern furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets, pianos)

• Staircases, handrails, and banisters

• Wooden flooring and parquet

• Doors and architectural woodwork

• Corporate furniture (boardroom tables, reception desks)

• Musical instruments

• Luxury retail fixtures and fittings

• Wood panelling and decorative elements

Our expertise encompasses both restoration projects and enhancement of new pieces.

Can You French Polish Different Types of Wood?

Yes, French polishing can be applied to most wood types, though some achieve superior results. Hardwoods such as maple, cedar, and spruce typically produce the finest finishes. We can successfully French polish pine and other softwoods provided they're properly prepared with thorough sanding and knot sealing. Our craftsmen assess each wood type to determine the optimal approach for exceptional results.

Do You Offer Bespoke Colour Matching?

Absolutely! Bespoke colour matching is one of our premier specialities. Our master craftsmen can create custom colours to match existing finishes, complement architectural elements, or achieve your specific design vision. We provide on-site colour matching samples with various sheens and finishes, ensuring perfect harmony with your existing décor. This includes matching to premium paint brands like Farrow & Ball or creating entirely unique colour schemes.

Can You Modernise Traditional Finishes?

Certainly! Our team specialises in transforming traditional finishes to contemporary aesthetics. We can modernise old oak flooring to trendy grey finishes, transform plywood and MDF to resemble premium woods like oak or walnut, and create bespoke colour schemes that complement modern interior design. Our colour specialists ensure seamless integration with your design vision.

What's the Difference Between French Polishing and Modern Lacquers?

Traditional French polishing creates a deeper, more lustrous finish that enhances wood's natural beauty and grain. Unlike modern lacquers that form a surface layer, French polish penetrates and builds gradually, creating a finish that can be maintained and restored over time. Whilst modern alternatives may be quicker to apply, French polishing offers superior aesthetic appeal, repairability, and longevity—particularly valuable for antique or high-quality furniture.

Can Damaged French Polish Be Repaired?

Yes, repairability is one of French polishing's significant advantages. Unlike modern finishes requiring complete stripping and refinishing, French polish can be locally repaired, restored, or enhanced. Our craftsmen can address scratches, water marks, heat damage, and general wear whilst maintaining the original finish's integrity. All repairs are permanent when properly maintained, making French polishing an excellent long-term investment.

Do You Work on Large-Scale Commercial Projects?

Absolutely! We serve both private clients and major commercial customers. Our portfolio includes luxury hotels, prestigious office buildings, retail environments, and heritage properties. We've completed large-scale projects including hundreds of hotel doors, extensive banister installations, and museum-quality antique restorations. We hold Achilles accreditation for construction site access, and all operatives are CSCS-certified with comprehensive safety training.

What Preparation is Required Before French Polishing?

Preparation varies depending on the piece's condition and may include:

• Carefully stripping existing finishes using traditional methods

• Repairing structural damage or surface imperfections

• Sanding surfaces to appropriate grades

• Applying suitable stains or colour treatments

• Protecting surrounding areas and furnishings

We handle all preparation work as part of our comprehensive service, ensuring optimal results.

How Should I Care for French Polished Surfaces?

French polished surfaces require gentle care to maintain their beauty:

• Dust regularly with soft, dry cloths

• Use coasters and placemats to prevent water rings and heat damage

• Avoid harsh cleaning products or abrasive materials

• Clean with warm soapy water unless otherwise specified

• Polish occasionally with appropriate wax products

• Address any damage promptly to prevent deterioration

• Allow repairs to cure for minimum 24 hours without touching

We provide detailed care instructions and recommend suitable maintenance products for your specific finish.

Can You Repair Wooden Worktops?

Yes! We specialise in repairing wooden worktops damaged by pan burns, scratches, chips, cracks, and water damage. Our team possesses over 20 years' experience in wood treatment and restoration. We can make damage disappear for a fraction of replacement costs, regardless of wood type. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote by sending photographs of the damage.

Do You Provide Free Consultations?

Yes, we offer complimentary consultations to assess your project requirements. During this visit, we examine pieces, discuss aesthetic preferences, provide expert advice on suitable finishes, and create colour samples if required. This ensures complete confidence in the proposed approach before work commences.

What Makes Boyle's French Polishers Different?

Established in 1994, we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern professional standards:

• Over 30 years of specialised experience

• Master craftsmen with 35+ years in the trade

• Achilles accreditation and CSCS-certified operatives

• Comprehensive insurance and RAMs documentation

• Revolutionary bespoke colour matching expertise

• Commitment to customer satisfaction and quality

• Proven track record with prestigious commercial and private clients

• Flexible working hours to minimise business disruption

What Areas Do You Cover?

We serve London and surrounding areas, with our experienced team able to work on-site for larger projects or in our workshop for smaller items. We're happy to discuss travel arrangements for projects outside our standard service area.

How Do I Get a Quote?

Contact us through our website at www.boylesfrenchpolishers.co.uk or call us directly. We'll arrange a convenient consultation where we assess your requirements and provide a detailed, no-obligation quotation. Each quote includes comprehensive breakdowns of work involved and expected timelines. You can also send photographs via our website, email, or WhatsApp for initial assessments.

​​

Do You Provide Insurance Documentation?

Certainly! Boyle's French Polishers maintains comprehensive public liability insurance and professional indemnity cover, essential for working with high-value antiques and in commercial environments. We provide full insurance documentation and certificates upon request, which is particularly important for corporate clients, heritage properties, and construction sites. 

​

Can You Work Around Our Business Hours?

Absolutely! We understand that minimising disruption to your business operations is crucial. Our team offers flexible working arrangements including evenings, weekends, and out-of-hours scheduling to accommodate your specific requirements. This is particularly valuable for corporate clients, retail environments, and hospitality venues where business continuity is essential. We've successfully completed numerous projects for hotels, offices, and commercial spaces by working during their quieter periods.

What Health & Safety Measures Do You Follow?

Health and safety is paramount in all our operations. All our operatives hold valid CSCS cards and receive comprehensive safety training. We provide detailed Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMs) documentation for every project, regardless of size. Our team uses appropriate personal protective equipment and follows strict safety protocols, particularly important when working with solvents and finishing materials. We maintain full compliance with current health and safety regulations and adapt our procedures to meet specific site requirements.

Do You Offer Emergency Repair Services?

Yes, we understand that damage to valuable furniture or commercial environments can require urgent attention. We offer emergency repair services for situations requiring immediate response, such as damage in luxury retail environments, hotels, or to precious antique pieces. Our emergency response service aims to provide initial assessment within 24-48 hours, with temporary protective measures implemented immediately if required. Contact us directly to discuss urgent requirements and our emergency response availability.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?

We accept various payment methods to accommodate our clients' preferences, including bank transfers, cheques, and card payments. For larger projects, We provide detailed payment schedules as part of our quotation process, ensuring complete transparency about costs and payment timing. All invoices include comprehensive breakdowns of work completed and materials used.

Can You Provide References or Case Studies?

Absolutely! We're proud of our extensive portfolio spanning over 30 years of exceptional work. We can provide references from satisfied clients across both residential and commercial sectors, including luxury hotels, prestigious office buildings, private collectors, and heritage properties. Our case studies demonstrate the breadth of our expertise, from intricate antique restorations to large-scale commercial projects. We're happy to share relevant examples that align with your specific project requirements during our consultation.

What Happens if Weather Affects Outdoor Work?

Weather conditions can indeed impact certain projects, particularly those involving external doors, windows, or outdoor wooden structures. We carefully monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly, ensuring optimal conditions for application and curing of finishes. If adverse weather affects scheduled work, we'll communicate promptly about rescheduling and provide realistic revised timelines. Our experience allows us to anticipate weather-related challenges and build appropriate contingencies into project planning.

​

What Training Do Your Craftsmen Have?

Our team comprises highly skilled craftsmen with extensive professional qualifications and experience. Our head French polisher brings over 35 years of specialised experience in traditional techniques, whilst all team members hold relevant CSCS certification and undergo continuous professional development. We maintain the highest standards through ongoing training in both traditional methods and contemporary safety practices. This combination of time-honoured craftsmanship and modern professional standards ensures exceptional results on every project.

Do You Work with Interior Designers and Architects?

Certainly! We regularly collaborate with interior designers, architects, and project managers on both residential and commercial projects. We understand the importance of seamless integration with broader design schemes and can work closely with design professionals to achieve specific aesthetic goals. Our bespoke colour matching services are particularly valued by designers seeking to create cohesive, sophisticated environments. We provide technical expertise and samples to support the design process from concept through completion.

What Happens During the Consultation Process?

Our complimentary consultation involves a thorough assessment of your project requirements. We examine the condition of pieces requiring work, discuss your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements, and provide expert recommendations on suitable techniques and finishes. Where appropriate, we create on-site colour matching samples with various sheens and finishes. This comprehensive approach ensures we fully understand your vision before providing a detailed quotation and project timeline.