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Essex French Polishing
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    • About Us

    Two Generations of French Polishers

    A family workshop restoring Essex's furniture, staircases and period woodwork since 1992.

    Markdown Block

    Caring for a French-Polished Finish

    Essex French Polishing

    Expert wood restoration and French polishing across Essex. Family-run, over 30 years experience.

    Get In Touch

    • 01245 678 900
    • info@essexfrenchpolishing.co.uk

    Quick Links

    A little routine care keeps a shellac finish looking its best for decades.

    Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth and avoid silicone-based sprays, which build up and cloud the surface over time. For an occasional deeper clean, a barely-damp cloth followed immediately by buffing dry is all that is needed.

    Keep pieces away from direct heat and strong sunlight, and always use coasters and felt pads under anything hot, wet or heavy. Should the finish ever dull or mark, a light re-polish restores it without the need to strip the whole piece, one of the quiet advantages of a traditional shellac finish.

    Our Mission & Values

    We exist to preserve and restore period wood finishes for homeowners and businesses across Essex, with honest quotes and craftsmanship you can trust.

    1. 01

      Clear Quotes

      Written estimates after inspection, with no hidden fees.

    2. 02

      Flexible Delivery

      On-site or workshop collection with scheduled slots.

    3. 03

      Traditional Techniques

      Shellac pad application, pumice pore-filling and buffing.

    The team

    • George Hartley

      George Hartley

      Master Polisher

    Accreditations & Guarantees

    • Membership

      British Antique Furniture Restorers' Association

      Conservation standards followed, so a period piece keeps its character.

    • Accreditation

      Guild of Master Craftsmen

      Independently vetted on workmanship and customer care before admission.

    • Qualification

      City & Guilds Furniture Restoration Level 3

      Assessed training in finishing, veneer work and structural repair.

    • Insurance

      Public Liability Insured to 5m

    How Block

    From Enquiry to Finished Piece

    A simple, transparent process from start to finish. No surprises.

    Get a Free Quote

    1. 01

      Get in Touch

      Call us or send a photo for a free, no-obligation quote at a time that suits you.

    FAQ Block

    Common Questions

    Everything you need to know about French polishing and our services.

    • What is French polishing?

      A traditional wood finishing technique using shellac applied by hand with a rubber pad. It produces a deep, warm lustre that modern spray finishes can't replicate.

    • How long does French polishing take?

      Most single pieces take 2–5 days depending on size and condition. Larger projects like staircases may take a week. We'll give you a clear timeline upfront.

    • Do you work on-site or in your workshop?

      Both. Smaller items are usually best done in our workshop for a controlled environment; staircases, fitted furniture and doors are done on-site.

    Ready to Restore Your Wood?

    Get a free, no-obligation quote today, send a photo and we'll do the rest.

    Get a Free Quote
    • Pricing
    • Our Work
    • Areas We Serve
    • About
    • Contact
    • FAQs

    Legal

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Service

    Business Hours

    Monday
    08:00 – 18:00
    Tuesday
    08:00 – 18:00
    Wednesday
    08:00 – 18:00
    Thursday
    08:00 – 18:00
    Friday
    08:00 – 17:00
    Saturday
    09:00 – 13:00
    Sunday
    Closed
    • Our Services
    • French Polishing
    • Antique Restoration
    • Staircase Finishing

    © 2026 Essex French Polishing Ltd. All rights reserved.

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    Daniel Hartley

    Daniel Hartley

    Workshop Manager

  • RO

    Ruth Okonkwo

    Restoration Technician

    • 02

    We Assess & Quote

    We examine the wood, agree the finish you want, and give a clear, honest written price.

  • 03

    Expert Finishing

    We carry out the work on-site or in our workshop, keeping you updated throughout.

  • Is French polish durable enough for everyday use?

    Yes, with proper care a French polish finish lasts for decades. We also offer harder-wearing finishes for high-traffic surfaces like kitchen tables.

  • Do you offer free quotes?

    Yes, all our estimates are free and no-obligation. Just give us a call or send a photo through the contact form.