About French Polish
French polishing is a type of finishing that is applied to wood after rubbing to add color and make it smooth. French polish consists of shellac and alcohol. It gives depth and gloss to the wood, which makes it look highly artistic and sophisticated. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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French polish is a trademark of the Victorian era and was used until the early 20th century. French polishing is usually done on expensive woods because of the intricate methods that are involved in finishing a piece. It is called French polishing because it resembles what most people consider French furniture.
Types
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There are various types of French polish. Original French polish is made of shellac, but nowadays a combination of lacquer and oils can be used to polish a furniture. There are types of French polish that impart a deeper color, and these are usually used for darker woods. Transparent polish is used for a pale finish.
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Benefits
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Wood finished in French polish looks highly glossy visually and in texture. It brings a classy aesthetic to the furniture. It provides a glass-like, quality look. French polish is also easier to refinish than other types of finishing such as lacquer.
Considerations
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French polish reacts to heat, which can result in marks and stains when heat is applied. Due to this, there was an evolution in the early 20th century to replace French polish with lacquer that is heat resistant and harder in finish than French polish.
Expert Insight
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Woods that can be used with French polish include oak and mahogany. It makes the furniture look warm, which is suitable for certain types of interior design and decor. A rubber, which consists of cotton, is used for traditional French polish to act like a paintbrush over wood. This allows the polish to distribute evenly and so that additional layers can be applied depending on one's preference.
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