Introduction to French Polishing

Join us for an engaging hands-on workshop led by Jay & Jo of The Dublin Polishers - a renowned Dublin-based duo specialising in high-quality French polishing, furniture restoration, and upcycling. With over 70 years of combined experience, they bring a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern expertise to every piece they touch.

In this workshop, Jay & Jo will share valuable tips, tricks, and trade secrets to help you restore your antique furniture to its former glory. You’ll gain insights into the time-honoured art of French polishing, a technique that has been breathing new life into fine woodwork since the mid-1700s.

What You Will Learn:

Introduction to French Polishing: Understand the basics and its importance in antique restoration.

Assessment of Antique Furniture: Learn how to identify common issues in antique pieces and strategies for addressing them.

Cleaning and Preparation: Master the correct methods for cleaning and prepping furniture for polishing.

Mopping and Coating: Discover techniques for applying polish evenly to achieve a flawless finish.

Sanding and Padding: Get hands-on experience in sanding and padding your piece for an exquisite shine.

Mixing Colours: Explore how to mix and add colours to your polish to match your antique’s original aesthetic.

Reviver Secrets: Learn about our homemade reviver using a top-secret recipe—a must-have for any French polisher.

Blemish Repair: Understand techniques for repairing blemishes and chips to restore your furniture’s beauty.

Removing White Rings: Find out how to eliminate stubborn white ring marks and the best waxing methods to maintain your pieces.

Repair Methods: Gain basic insights into repair techniques to ensure your furniture stands the test of time.

Acceptable Furniture for the Class

Please bring small antique items only. Suggestions include:

• Antique dining chair
• Small antique side table
• Antique stool
• Antique jewellery box
• Antique writing slope
• Antique locker

Important Notes

No Modern Furniture: This workshop is focused exclusively on antique pieces.

Limited Storage: All furniture worked on during the workshop must be taken home at the end of the session, as storage facilities are not available.

Dress Code: Please wear old clothes! French polishing can be a messy process.

Additional Information

This workshop provides a broad overview of French polishing but does not cover in-depth topics such as stripping furniture. The agenda is full, so please arrive early to make the most of your experience!

Come ready to learn, connect, and give your antiques a stunning new lease of life — guided by the craftsmanship of The Dublin Polishers.

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