French polishing by hand or by spray?

[Anonymous]

I've just had a quote for the french polishing of my bannister hand rail and newel post, they have given me two options - one by hand and one by spray, there being around £70 difference between the two.

Can anyone advise me of the merits/drawbacks of each option from personal experience - I'm totally uninformed on the subject of french polishing I'm afraid!

 

[Anonymous]

One thing is certain - you can't do genuine French polishing with a spraygun! It's a skilled, somewhat laborious manual process, involving the application of a shellac-based liquid with a padded cotton cloth in endless circular motions.
I would speculate that the sprayed "French polishing" will actually be the application of a lacquer.
If I were you, I would ask the quoter to (a) show you samples of the two proposed finishes, and (b) tell you what each process involves. If you're happy that one of the samples is what you want, then presumably you'll tell him to go ahead with it. (But do hang on to the sample for comparison against the finished product).
If you can't decide and want more advice from people on this forum, post back with the quoter's descriptions of the two techniques he has proposed.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm in agreement here, French Polishing is a manual job.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi

Gosh I am a busy bee today! French polishing is a specific term meaning to full grain finish an item with shellac by brush/mop/fad/rubber finishing by hand burnishing to give a mirror finish.

Generically to "polish" something in the trade means to finish it in any manner. You certainly cannot spray a French polish finish! They will probably use a cellulose lacquer. This will be more durable but will look a lot thicker.

You don't say what the wood is, is it mahogany? Ordinarily I would only French Polish (in the literal sense) Walnut, Mahogany or Elm.

If the banister handrail (only) is a normal 12 flight length and the newel isn't too complicated then I could stain, seal finish to a mid sheen in a day, I would probably charge around £200. For a full grain (proper) French polish you are looking at 2 and half to three days, I would charge around £500 to £600. Of course any stripping, sanding and cleaning up may add cost.

Unless you live in a really opulent house then finishing to a mid sheen should cost you around £200 and take a day. (Although if I was quoting I may let you convince me into doing a full French polish! Just beacuase I love doing it!) I wouldn't get it sprayed. Hope this helps.

Incase you were wondering how I'm such a knowitall I am a French polisher (same as my Grandfather and Great Grandfather)

Regards

Toby


http://www.periodproperty.co.uk/article039.htm

 

[Anonymous]

Sorry.

I wasn't quoting by the way! I aim to finish my websites soon then you can see some proper French polishing!

Toby