Very nice work. I used to do this finish for dealers in the Pasadena Antique Mall back in the 90’s and specialized in restoring mahogany. I feel like this is a lost art, as woodworking is also becoming, Thank you for helping to keep it alive. ,
quick tip, youtube woodworkers usually only add music when they're doing a work montage without any speaking. So, music is fine, but only at certain points in the video @@clairandco
I'm from Moon Township, PA (Pittsburgh) and enjoyed watching your very informative video. I'm interested in finishing guitars and picked up more than a few good tips from you. The use of a regular cloth instead of a compressed cheesecloth inside an old t-shirt is one example. The use of orange oil instead of olive oil was another. I also enjoyed watching your liberal use of pumice. Lots of other videos seem to be very skimpy on the use. I will definitely give your ideas a try.
From West Michigan midwinter. I make what I call keepsake boxes for friends and family. This may make you cringe but I use Rubio pure on most everything because I like it and it doesn't yellow over time. It's very durable too. I just got some highly figured maple and am in the process of learning to French polish. This was very helpful for me learning the process. Thanks.
David here from Newport, RI, land of beautiful antique furniture. Thanks for the great detailed video. I buy and sell Federal period furniture and use this finish most of the time as it is appropriate for this furniture and really enhances the beauty of the old mahogany. I enjoy watching the process as someone else does it to pick up tips and tricks, I will try the orange oil you suggested and I do not like using standard mineral oil. I often top off with a light coat of the Gilboys great wax for some protection. Appreciate the time you put into your videos, thx.
Thanks David. As a former french polisher, I really enjoyed the video. Your way regarding the grain filler is a little different from the method I learned as an apprentice in the late '70's early '80's. But I like it. We used to use oils and driers such as goldsize and terebine mixed with grain filler which was tinted with the desired pigments for colour matching. I've also heard of using plaster of paris finished over with boiled linseed oil to fill the grain. I've got a antique Australian cedar table to restore soon and you've reminded me of some of those little processes that I've forgotten. Hats off to you. All the best from down under. Regards Michael Shaw.
Thank you so much for your video. I’m restoring an English cedar tallboy at the moment and your input has been fabulous. I live in Greensborough, Victoria, Australia.
From Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. This was a most descriptive video of the complete process of stripping, grain filling and French polishing. I have polished family antiques and made reproductions in both cherry and mahogany. Watching this video will help me improve my finishing. A good finish makes an average/poor working job look OK, but a bad finish makes a good woodworking job look lousy.. Thanks
Darin in South Austin-Buda Tx. Finisher of 20+years. Watching for fun! Truly a skill that’s a rare animal these days with the conversion varnishes sprayed on with airless air assisted guns. I would rather dip my hands in Denatured alcohol over T67-F47 catalyzed with V66-V26 Any day! The slurry portion is a big key. Theses days grain fillers are obsolete. Just spray on an extra coat or two of s. sealer &off you go! As far as the music goes you work the circuit of shops in the states you learn to work with machines, four different styles of music on full blast with people yelling and laughing( sometimes at you!) you just learn your craft and do what you do with a smile. So crank it up! Puro Tejjano! A central Texas!
Quick side note for people confused. The slurry to pumice, wax and finish is a mix that blends it all together(slurry) you’re not shellacking over a solid wax coat. (I’ve had problems even with blend all wax fill-in sticks.)I assume.
Hi there from Somerset in the UK, great video thank you, your process is pretty much the same for me, though I often brush on the first sealing coat for a quicker build up of polish, I will often finish off with a wax . Thanks for posting, keep 'em coming
Nice video. I currently live and work in Las Vegas. Finishes dry so fast here it's nuts. I like it though. I started and learned in NY. Entirely different process. I also prefer hand applied finishes. There's always more to learn. Thanks.
I just came across your video on your French Polishing methods. I have used the same methods for about 20 years, just some different products. I will try the products you mentioned. I am from East of Indianapolis Indiana close to the Indiana/Ohio border...15 minutes from Winchester Motor Speedway.
Hey man, I'm from Perth Western Australia. Really enjoyed the tips and techniques in this video, I'm going to apply to my table restoration project soon.... Little tip with audio, when using (Rode mics/lapels) if the audio records onto one track (left channel for eg.) you need to fill the opposing empty audio channel so you get full volume output. Premiere Pro has 'Fill Left' or 'Fill Right' in the audio effects panel.... Thanks again man :)
I am from Washington State. I have refinished furniture here and there since I was about 16. But I never got into really the back bones of it all. I really got into painting furniture and adding moulds because I love the architectural feel of the "Old World". I usually use 99% real wood products but recently I took a closer look at restoring wood and keeping it original. The older the better. I do like the more satin finishes. I will be exploring your channel. Thank you for this video.
Great video on a topic I've watched countless videos on and still struggle with. A few differences in your technique that I'm looking forward to trying here in Pittston, PA.
Hi, just watched the French polishing video.... Great. I live in England and have just purchased some French art deco furniture which has some small areas of damage, veneered lifting, missing or spliting, also some woodworm. Do you have any videos on actual repairs? Thanks Tony
Thank you making and publishing this video. A couple of oops with the squeaky trestle and forgetting to push record, but I have seen the same happen to people who have been producing for years. What are your thoughts on stopping at the satin stage? Would stopping there give the piece enough protection? I have some pieces that would not suit the high gloss. Now I suppose I will have to get Instagram. 🤗
Ray from Montreal, Canada, very interesting video, i do agree with music being a bit loud at times though and mono sound not being sent to both channels at editing, but hey visual quality is very very nice so just nit picking here. I worked with shellac before but never got to do a French polish (yet). I wish you had mentioned your dilution for the base coats and the polishing. My question is; Since i've only seen guys doing table tops or other flat surfaces, is it possible to French polish more complex structures ? In essence i am in the process of restoring an antique 1937 RCA-Victor vacuum Tube radio that i've stripped and grain filled to death since the cabinet was so damaged. As i'm about to re stain the whole thing i am contemplating different finishing solution, but since it was originally done with shellac it would be nice to preserve the original feel to the piece. But shellac alone is pretty dull so i'm looking at French polishing it, but it's not a table it has detailes mouldings and grill post with carvings. Is it possible to French polish those details or is it better to just polish the top, facing and sides. I don't think you reply to the comments, so if anybody else has experience or ideas, i'm all ears. Thank's for sharing
Hi from Ontario, Canada, Georgian By area. Thanks for this great video. I am about to start finishing a guitar body and neck, no stain for now. You have simplified the process as compared to some of the other videos out there. I now have some confidence that I will be able to get this done. Is it ok to use the flake mixture as a seal coat? I have a very tight grained highly sanded finish already. I think the wood is Linden. Is it ok to have the wood perfectly sanded.
Looks great. Question ? Would you or why didn’t you use a sealer or wood conditioner on the raw wood. ? Before stain to prevent blotchy ness? With the shellac… was it waxed shellac or un waxed ? I also refinish wood projects for a living. I like using dalys interior satin. It gets you the mirror finish but seems to be more durable. I do the same polishing/ sanding . My clients project coming up is re finishing a French polished table with eaves. The table is dinged and scratched down to the wood. I’m going to sand it all down and start from square one. Thank for the video ? My questions are really about shellac verses the dalys product. Both are ragged on.
Hi, Tony from UK, How would you maintain the finish if for instance you were doing the underside of an overhang on a chest of drawers ?, Also have you got links where to buy the products online that you used? Great video by the way.
Can an alcohol based stain be used over shellac? Or would it make more sense to dye the shellac with the stain? I’m going to be working on birch that I’ll be oiling with Teak Oil first. I really only want to get some slight coloring from the stain. I also don’t have a clue regarding what I’m talking about. Would wax play any part?
I been doing French polishing on pianos for a year now and doing furniture is so much more easier with pianos you have to lay down anything from 200 to 400 layers 😂 before you start thinking about using a rubber but you get that beautiful flat mirror finish
Can you use an electric buffer for this? Maybe with a wool pad change for each step? I ask because for those who are disabled/chronic pain, doing this process might be too much. I love the look but I've got Fibromyalgia and shoulder pain is an issue.
Hi from Melbourne Australia could you tell me what products you use polish orange oil and any other products you use I'm a Carpenter but I'd like to do a bit French polishing for my family and friends thanks Tristan from Oz.
Do you ever use raw linseed for lubricant? Pianos were not Fr. polished. And were the considered the very highest quality of all finishes once upon a time.
Hi David! Currently posted in Stuttgart Germany but grew up in Bowie Crofton! About to try this method on a some new mahogany tables I’m building. Can I come be an apprentice? ! Awesome work!
Great job Turn the music down when you're talking and working. I can hear you but can't make out what you're saying. Anyway enjoyed the video. I'm in East Texas
Really nice video. leave the music for the beginning and end. thank you for sharing.
Very nice work. I used to do this finish for dealers in the Pasadena Antique Mall back in the 90’s and specialized in restoring mahogany. I feel like this is a lost art, as woodworking is also becoming, Thank you for helping to keep it alive.
,
Watching your video in Scotland,and it was very understandable, educational and well presented. Thanks,regards John
Thanks for walking through your technique - very insightful! from Australia.
Cracking video and instruction David, really enjoyed watching. I'm from Cornwall in the UK.
Thank you for posting, much appreciated.
👍💯
Amazing video and very well explained!
Just a little tip: plese, next time either you lower the volume of the music or just take it away :D
No music in future videos. Thank you !
quick tip, youtube woodworkers usually only add music when they're doing a work montage without any speaking. So, music is fine, but only at certain points in the video @@clairandco
Houston, Tx here. I needed a refesher course for a bookcase that I'm repairing. Thank you for the in-depth video!
I'm from Moon Township, PA (Pittsburgh) and enjoyed watching your very informative video. I'm interested in finishing guitars and picked up more than a few good tips from you. The use of a regular cloth instead of a compressed cheesecloth inside an old t-shirt is one example. The use of orange oil instead of olive oil was another.
I also enjoyed watching your liberal use of pumice. Lots of other videos seem to be very skimpy on the use. I will definitely give your ideas a try.
What’s up Moon Twp. Your neighbor over in Hopewell.
Happy woodworking neighbor!
Your channel is a breath of fresh air on RUclips.
From West Michigan midwinter. I make what I call keepsake boxes for friends and family. This may make you cringe but I use Rubio pure on most everything because I like it and it doesn't yellow over time. It's very durable too. I just got some highly figured maple and am in the process of learning to French polish. This was very helpful for me learning the process. Thanks.
Music is cool David. Don’t listen to the haters. And thanks for the tutorial.
David here from Newport, RI, land of beautiful antique furniture. Thanks for the great detailed video. I buy and sell Federal period furniture and use this finish most of the time as it is appropriate for this furniture and really enhances the beauty of the old mahogany. I enjoy watching the process as someone else does it to pick up tips and tricks, I will try the orange oil you suggested and I do not like using standard mineral oil. I often top off with a light coat of the Gilboys great wax for some protection. Appreciate the time you put into your videos, thx.
Thanks David. As a former french polisher, I really enjoyed the video. Your way regarding the grain filler is a little different from the method I learned as an apprentice in the late '70's early '80's. But I like it. We used to use oils and driers such as goldsize and terebine mixed with grain filler which was tinted with the desired pigments for colour matching. I've also heard of using plaster of paris finished over with boiled linseed oil to fill the grain. I've got a antique Australian cedar table to restore soon and you've reminded me of some of those little processes that I've forgotten. Hats off to you. All the best from down under. Regards Michael Shaw.
I live in the west of Ireland. I have several of my own pieces to practice on. I am very interested in learning this skill. Thank you
Thank you so much for your video. I’m restoring an English cedar tallboy at the moment and your input has been fabulous. I live in Greensborough, Victoria, Australia.
Thanks David, watching from Cape Town, South Africa
From Cape May, NJ. I'm liking doing this method. Thanks
I have been to Cape May! What a gorgeous place it is!!!
From Ponte Vedra Beach, Fl. This was a most descriptive video of the complete process of stripping, grain filling and French polishing. I have polished family antiques and made reproductions in both cherry and mahogany. Watching this video will help me improve my finishing. A good finish makes an average/poor working job look OK, but a bad finish makes a good woodworking job look lousy.. Thanks
Thank you
Tuning in from Abita Springs, looking to refinish some furniture. Great tutorial, thanks. 👍🏻
Excellent work my friend. Welcome to Nashville!
I make funeral urns. I use black walnut,oak and maple mostly. I’m going to try your method of filling and polishing. Thank you for video!
Darin in South Austin-Buda Tx. Finisher of 20+years. Watching for fun! Truly a skill that’s a rare animal these days with the conversion varnishes sprayed on with airless air assisted guns. I would rather dip my hands in Denatured alcohol over T67-F47 catalyzed with V66-V26 Any day! The slurry portion is a big key. Theses days grain fillers are obsolete. Just spray on an extra coat or two of s. sealer &off you go!
As far as the music goes you work the circuit of shops in the states you learn to work with machines, four different styles of music on full blast with people yelling and laughing( sometimes at you!) you just learn your craft and do what you do with a smile. So crank it up! Puro Tejjano! A central Texas!
Quick side note for people confused. The slurry to pumice, wax and finish is a mix that blends it all together(slurry) you’re not shellacking over a solid wax coat. (I’ve had problems even with blend all wax fill-in sticks.)I assume.
Hi there from Somerset in the UK, great video thank you, your process is pretty much the same for me, though I often brush on the first sealing coat for a quicker build up of polish, I will often finish off with a wax . Thanks for posting, keep 'em coming
Thank you Paul!
Thanks David! From Stanford, Montana
FANTASTIC - please fill in your stain formulations and your shellac ratios.
Super finish - thanks for sharing.
Nice video. I currently live and work in Las Vegas. Finishes dry so fast here it's nuts. I like it though. I started and learned in NY. Entirely different process. I also prefer hand applied finishes. There's always more to learn. Thanks.
What is this (yours ) other method please
from Texas! love this restoration!
Thanks David. I am watching this video from the island of Malta
I am jealous!
very cool video just came across you. quality work. Ireland
Thanks for showing your work from the UK 👍
Beautiful table. Amazing work
Just getting into wood work. Great video. Watching from Perú.
Brilliant video I’m from wales in the uk
I just came across your video on your French Polishing methods. I have used the same methods for about 20 years, just some different products. I will try the products you mentioned. I am from East of Indianapolis Indiana close to the Indiana/Ohio border...15 minutes from Winchester Motor Speedway.
Interesting video, watching from Brisbane Australia cheers Graham
Watching from Boca Raton FL!! Amazing Job! I can visualize you on a TV show 😎👍
Bravo ; I'm from Argentina ...Thank you
Top job well done Cahal from Ireland
Orange oil.....got to try that out, I work on antique pianos so will try anything to get there, thanks for the video, greetings from Veracruz, Mexico
very cool, in san diego calif here, right now
Great video David. I think i can do it.
Nice video. Very informative.
I live in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Great video. Building up the nerve to do this on a pair of end tables. Charlotte NC.
Very beautiful job. Buffalo NY
Great video thanks, watching from Windsor England
Watching you from Bellevue, WA
Great show from Antrim Ireland.
Hey man, I'm from Perth Western Australia. Really enjoyed the tips and techniques in this video, I'm going to apply to my table restoration project soon.... Little tip with audio, when using (Rode mics/lapels) if the audio records onto one track (left channel for eg.) you need to fill the opposing empty audio channel so you get full volume output. Premiere Pro has 'Fill Left' or 'Fill Right' in the audio effects panel.... Thanks again man :)
Thank you Paul! please email me Id like to seek more help,. david@clairandco.com
I am from Washington State. I have refinished furniture here and there since I was about 16. But I never got into really the back bones of it all. I really got into painting furniture and adding moulds because I love the architectural feel of the "Old World". I usually use 99% real wood products but recently I took a closer look at restoring wood and keeping it original. The older the better. I do like the more satin finishes. I will be exploring your channel. Thank you for this video.
Great video on a topic I've watched countless videos on and still struggle with. A few differences in your technique that I'm looking forward to trying here in Pittston, PA.
Hove UK. I have a number of antique tables that need a polish. Looks great 👍🏻 oh and I liked the music
Hi, just watched the French polishing video.... Great. I live in England and have just purchased some French art deco furniture which has some small areas of damage, veneered lifting, missing or spliting, also some woodworm. Do you have any videos on actual repairs?
Thanks
Tony
catch my instagram @davicclairofficial
Watching in Tennessee!!!
Thank you from Malta
Watching from Michigan. Thanks so much for taking the time to show all the steps. Perfection! Oh, and what's with the artwork on the far wall?
Stripper and oils. My favorite.
Thanks for this mate. 🧉 t was very helpful and informative 👍
Thank you making and publishing this video. A couple of oops with the squeaky trestle and forgetting to push record, but I have seen the same happen to people who have been producing for years.
What are your thoughts on stopping at the satin stage? Would stopping there give the piece enough protection? I have some pieces that would not suit the high gloss.
Now I suppose I will have to get Instagram. 🤗
Ray from Montreal, Canada, very interesting video, i do agree with music being a bit loud at times though and mono sound not being sent to both channels at editing, but hey visual quality is very very nice so just nit picking here. I worked with shellac before but never got to do a French polish (yet). I wish you had mentioned your dilution for the base coats and the polishing. My question is; Since i've only seen guys doing table tops or other flat surfaces, is it possible to French polish more complex structures ? In essence i am in the process of restoring an antique 1937 RCA-Victor vacuum Tube radio that i've stripped and grain filled to death since the cabinet was so damaged. As i'm about to re stain the whole thing i am contemplating different finishing solution, but since it was originally done with shellac it would be nice to preserve the original feel to the piece. But shellac alone is pretty dull so i'm looking at French polishing it, but it's not a table it has detailes mouldings and grill post with carvings. Is it possible to French polish those details or is it better to just polish the top, facing and sides. I don't think you reply to the comments, so if anybody else has experience or ideas, i'm all ears. Thank's for sharing
Great thank you David
Picked up a violin, not worth a whole lot, but should be a good player. Thanks for the info, this helps a lot. Arkansas
Can I French polish over something that was polyurethaned or does the piece needed to be striped.
You could polish over poly but I would recommend to strip it to bare wood first for the best result.
perhaps a cool voice-over is preferable to a narration whilst at work. outstanding video! LOVE! Beautiful restoration!!!
Great suggestion!
Here in Connecticut. Have you ever used catalyzed lacquer instead of shellac? It might be more durable.
I have.
Nice job
How did you strip it dude!
I sanded off the finish.
Hi from Ontario, Canada, Georgian By area. Thanks for this great video. I am about to start finishing a guitar body and neck, no stain for now. You have simplified the process as compared to some of the other videos out there. I now have some confidence that I will be able to get this done. Is it ok to use the flake mixture as a seal coat? I have a very tight grained highly sanded finish already. I think the wood is Linden. Is it ok to have the wood perfectly sanded.
Flake mix should work fine!
Thanks for the video, i am in Baltimore MD, one question, when mixing the shellac was the ratio for the raw shellac to alcohol? Thanks again Ken
I like to buy premade Lubracite 77
Looks great. Question ? Would you or why didn’t you use a sealer or wood conditioner on the raw wood. ? Before stain to prevent blotchy ness? With the shellac… was it waxed shellac or un waxed ? I also refinish wood projects for a living. I like using dalys interior satin. It gets you the mirror finish but seems to be more durable. I do the same polishing/ sanding . My clients project coming up is re finishing a French polished table with eaves. The table is dinged and scratched down to the wood. I’m going to sand it all down and start from square one. Thank for the video ? My questions are really about shellac verses the dalys product. Both are ragged on.
I would typically not need a sealer to prevent blotching because I sand down the wood prior with 400 grit.
Beautiful
Hi,
Tony from UK,
How would you maintain the finish if for instance you were doing the underside of an overhang on a chest of drawers ?,
Also have you got links where to buy the products online that you used?
Great video by the way.
Hi Tony, Please email me I can provide you a list and I also offer virtual workshops. david@clairandco.com
You have a wonderful touch brother. Your right hand is difficult to develop, and difficult to teach.
Surly you don’t put shellac over wax. unless you want problems down the road
I was wondering the same thing. Seems risky
@@behonestwithyourself3718 he’s a amateur, I’ve been a french polisher for 40 odd years.
I have been doing it for over 30 years and never had any issues. Maybe you're not realizing that the wax is only in the grain?
Shellac goes over wax if it’s only a very thin layer. It will still bond to the wood
Does the wax shrink and make the finish poxy after a while?
Wonderful video, great presentation, I stuck around despite the annoying music, maybe a lower level would help . Thanks!
Noted ! I was learning how to make videos.
Can an alcohol based stain be used over shellac? Or would it make more sense to dye the shellac with the stain? I’m going to be working on birch that I’ll be oiling with Teak Oil first. I really only want to get some slight coloring from the stain.
I also don’t have a clue regarding what I’m talking about.
Would wax play any part?
Hi David What wood stain did you use? Thanks 👍
I been doing French polishing on pianos for a year now and doing furniture is so much more easier with pianos you have to lay down anything from 200 to 400 layers 😂 before you start thinking about using a rubber but you get that beautiful flat mirror finish
Can you use an electric buffer for this? Maybe with a wool pad change for each step? I ask because for those who are disabled/chronic pain, doing this process might be too much. I love the look but I've got Fibromyalgia and shoulder pain is an issue.
What oil and how much do you put in the shellac? Thanks
Very interesting to me that shellac will stick to waxed wood. This is new for me! Im beginner so this is not a big thing that I study new things…
Hi from Melbourne Australia could you tell me what products you use polish orange oil and any other products you use I'm a Carpenter but I'd like to do a bit French polishing for my family and friends thanks Tristan from Oz.
An interesting video, however, we see more of you than the various finishes on the table top🤔
Not sure how to help you then, Try another video maybe?
portugal 🙏
Ohio. I've done this before. You taught me here..
Thanks 😎
Do you ever use raw linseed for lubricant?
Pianos were not Fr. polished.
And were the considered the very highest quality of all finishes once upon a time.
Hi David! Currently posted in Stuttgart Germany but grew up in Bowie Crofton! About to try this method on a some new mahogany tables I’m building. Can I come be an apprentice? ! Awesome work!
Anytime Chris. I am currently located in Nashville.
Can you tell us what stain you used?
I don't get it/ You applied wax first rather thanpumice and shellac. How did the shellac stick to a waxed surface?
Australia 🇦🇺 🌞👍
Great job
Turn the music down when you're talking and working. I can hear you but can't make out what you're saying. Anyway enjoyed the video. I'm in East Texas
What do you charge just for a similar refinishing on a customer's table?
It depends on the table size and the amount of leaves. Contact me direct on my instagram if you want to discuss further. @davidclairofficial
What brand of stain is that?
I’m confused. The pumice is a wax?
Hello, i'm from Belgium. Beautiful table, but it creaks like an old mattress.
Great video……the music is VERY distracting though!!!
I am sorry I was learning video editing. I will not use music in future videos.
what about wax? or polish? what would you use?
Apologies for the audio in the last scene. Did not catch that the volume was cranked up to 11. 🤫
Dewaxer aka mineral spirits.
i would think the wax would cause an adhesion issue. it doesn't??