Andrews French Polishing Forum

My sad loss

2022-08-26T13:05:00.000+01:00

R.I.P

Dear readers,

I am sorry that you haven't seen anything new on my blog site for a while; the reason for this is that recently my lovely Japanese wife of forty-six years of marriage died, therefore; I am going through so much pain and upset.

Thankfully I have some good friends to give me; support and encouragement during such difficult times.

My closest friends have told me to remember all the good times we shared; this will give me the strength to carry on.

I will do my best to get back into adding new content when I have the motivation to carry on.

Now I must restart my life and am unsure which way to turn.

I know that my wife would want me to do my best to rebuild my life therefore out of respect and love for her I will do so.

I never expected my wife to go before me I had always thought that I would go first in life we never know what's around the corner.

Thank you for taking the time to read all my posts, they are much appreciated and I hope they are educational to you.

Kind regards,

Andrew.

Ladder Finishing

2022-03-03T11:42:00.000+00:00

Hi, today I want to show you a recent request to stain and finish a wooden ladder made from both pine and beech.

Firstly, it had to be sanded down luckily for me it had already been done.

Then came the staining it had to match a pattern colour, after going through a number of stains a choice was made.

Applied several applications of stain to achieve the desired colour.

After setting up the spray compressor and spray gun, and making sure that the workshop was warm enough to prevent the lacquer from chilling as the weather was as usual cold and raining.

Sprayed many coats of lacquer for a fantastic finish as the customer required.

I used my Devilbiss spray gun, for a great even finish

Used a matt finish lacquer

The customer was very pleased with the work, and that's always a good thing right.

Thank you for viewing my Blogsite it's much appreciated.

Varnishing

2021-11-18T11:17:00.001+00:00

Welcome; today I, want to talk about varnish and how and what its best uses are.

The varnish that I have used many times now is the varnish that's thinned out with white spirits or turpentine.

Why I like this varnish is because it gives long-lasting protection for outdoor use. I know that the downside of using this type of varnish is that it takes hours to dry and therefore can only really be used; on days without rain. Is that possible here in England?

Yes, sometimes we get a sunny day! I have had a few occasions where the weather has been awful and have had to work out in the rain whilst trying my very best to try to keep the rain off the door whilst rain is dripping down my back from a leaky gutter above.

The joys of being a French polisher I: suppose.

Another varnish that is good to use is the water-based ones.

It gives a reasonably tough finish, dries quickly and has good clarity.

Both varnishes come in Gloss, Matt, and Satin finish.

Other wood finishes such as Cellulose lacquer. I think are best suited to use on furniture rather than outdoors where they aren't made for the great outdoors.

Application on all the finishes is easy and; can be brushed on when thinned out with their respective thinners.

I have to say that a good spray finish will produce excellent results.

"Not everyone has spraying equipment I, hear you say".

Well, it's something to invest in, and in doing so, you will be able to tackle the modern furniture finishes that are -used on just about everything.

I would be - lost without my spray equipment; it has become an essential part of the modern wood finishing process.

Don't get me wrong; I love to French polish whenever the opportunity arises.

Once again, I hope that this will be of some help to you?

As of 19th October 2021 Blog viewer count:

2021-10-19T11:15:00.000+01:00

As of 19th October 2021

The viewer count is 90,586 and counting.

I am always astonished; as to how many viewers that I have accumulated since my last count record and today.

I would like; to thank the people of the Soviet Union; for your continued following. It gives me great delight to see that my information is being- read, and I hope that it has helped so many of you to achieve a desirable French polished finish?

I hope that when I next record my viewers, it will reach the 100,000 mark?

Thank you; for your attention.

Kind regards,

Andrew.

Are you ready for winter?

2021-09-30T13:56:00.001+01:00

Are you ready for winter?

I ask this because if you live in the Northern Hemisphere like me, then you'll know just how cold it gets.

If you are lucky enough to have your own; workshop, then it's really - important; to ensure that it's heated sufficiently during the worst of the winter months.

Why I hear you ask? Well, if your workshop is too cold, then you will notice; that when you are French polishing, a milky white ghosting effect appears on the surface, then this becomes very problematic and difficult to put right.

To avoid this happening, what I do, is to place my French polish bottle with the top off; stand the bottle in warm water as this will increase the polish temperature sufficiently enough that the chilling won't take place.

Of course, this won't help if your workshop is still cold; it’s better before starting the day's work you heat the premises to an acceptable level.

With my workshop, I have been out there when it's been dreadful; cold, therefore to rectify this problem I, purchased insulating panels to stick onto the walls with PVA glue that did not melt the insulating material as other Glues had done.

After this, I fitted plywood over the insulating sheeting that increased the heat loss tremendously.

Most of the heat escapes through the roof; this; would be problematic to deal with, so I have not insulated it.

I am sure that some; of you have seen pictures of me working in my converted garage/Workshop.

Well, I hope that this will give you good advice to improve the environment in which you work. Let me know in the comments section below if you have or are experiencing any of these problems?

I could show you some pictures of my workshop due to how untidy it is just now it will have to wait for another day.

Thanks for your attention it's; much appreciated.

Regards,

Andrew.

These doors were varnished by yours truly.

Reflections

2021-09-24T12:24:00.001+01:00

Hi, and for any new readers, I would like to extend a very; warm welcome to my site.

Since I started Blogging, in 2011 it's been a great experience for me, as I have interacted with you out there in the wider world.

A big thank you to those that have been with me since the start of my journey.

At first, it was a way for me to share my knowledge and skills and to be able to pass them on to others in the French polishing trade.

However; since then, there has been a vast increase in interest in antique furniture and restoration programmes on television in the UK.

More people are showing an interest in wanting to learn about the subject and, that's where I hope this Blogsite comes in.

Only my experience as a French polisher (Retired now) are ever; used in my writings. Therefore you're, getting authentic information.

I intend this to be a #1 site for quality information.

So many of you from every corner of the world read and, I hope, enjoy my posts.

Your feedback is very kind, and I am, touched by it.

With over 89,000 views and growing, I could never have imagined such a result.

If just one person has either learnt or gained something from my Blogsite, then I am delighted.

Long may the skills of French polishing continue?

Thank you for your time; it is; much appreciated.

Regards,

Andrew.

Hand French polished.

Bespoke Furniture & Finishing

2021-03-24T11:43:00.003+00:00

Hello, today, I am going to show you a Desktop, that I have wood finished for part of a large unit.

And I thought that I had retired!

Firstly, the solid Chery wood edging has been clamped to the front surface of the top

A lovely Mitre joint

Sanding the top edge

Applying good even pressure on the block going with the grain

The top surface has had some spray lacquer applied a few more coats to go!

Sorry about the mess in the workshop

This is the result after Six coats of lacquerer, the customers choice of finish.

Handcrafted furniture, the remainder of the unit will be painted

The top just slides into place and becomes a working desktop surface.

This is the sheen level pattern

Thank you for taking the time to read my posts. I really appreciate it.

Oak Desk Restoration

2021-02-04T10:30:00.001+00:00

Hi everyone,

Today, I thought that I would show you some pictures of this old desk that was in need of some tender love and care.

The top surface finish is worn out

Had to take this all apart and carryout repairs

Stained and spray finished

As good as new

The leather was later changed for a new one

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing the transformation on this desk.

The client was very happy.

Happy Christmas

2020-12-14T13:56:00.000+00:00

Wishing all my viewers a very Happy Christmas and New Year!

Thank you all for being so kind to visit my site.

May 2021 be a good year for you all.

Recording my viewer figures

2020-05-13T11:59:00.000+01:00

Recording my viewer figures:

As of today, 13th May 2020

It shows that I have now reached 77,001

This is a fantastic achievement for me. And may I say a huge thank you to each and every one of you that have visited my Channel and continue to follow my posts.

I hope that you are continuing to learn and enjoy from the information contained.
Kind regards,
Andrew.

Altar Platform

2020-04-18T12:14:00.001+01:00

This Altar platform was hand made by a carpenter friend of mine.

Staining to the desired colour

Applying a thin coat of plastic coating, for a very tough finish

After several good coats

Delivered back at the Church, the finish has dried to a semi-matt finish as required

With the plastic coating finish, it should last for many years to come.

Thank you for your visit to my Blog today! Much appreciated.

The Image of The Divine Mercy

2020-02-15T13:52:00.001+00:00

Recently, I had the great pleasure of staining and finishing the wooden frame to this beautiful picture.

I shall add information about the picture lower down for you to read.

Craftsman at work constructing the frame that he skillfully made.

Biscuit jointed for added strength

Superb Mitering

Now over to me for the staining and finishing

Taped up the corners for a clean stained finish with no overlap

Applying spray lacquer for a very long-lasting finish

Applying the final coat

Now for it to be hung in the Church

Everything is well, and time to stand back and admire the real beauty of this picture.

The Image of The Divine Mercy

In 1931, our Lord appeared to St. Faustina in a vision. She saw Jesus clothed in a white garment with His right hand raised in blessing. His left hand was touching His garment in the area of the Heart, from where two large rays came forth, one red and the other pale. She gazed intently at the Lord in silence, her soul filled with awe, but also with great joy. Jesus said to her:

Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You. I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish. I also promise victory over [its] enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory (Diary, 47, 48). I am offering people a vessel with which they are to keep coming for graces to the fountain of mercy. That vessel is this image with the signature: Jesus, I trust in You (327). I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and [then] throughout the world (47).

At the request of her spiritual director, St. Faustina asked the Lord about the meaning of the rays in the image. She heard these words in reply:

The two rays denote Blood and Water. The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous. The red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. Happy is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him (299). By means of this image, I shall grant many graces to souls. It is to be a reminder of the demands of My mercy because even the strongest faith is of no avail without works (742).
,
These words indicate that the Image represents the graces of Divine Mercy poured out upon the world, especially through Baptism and the Eucharist.

Many different versions of this image have been painted, but our Lord made it clear that the painting itself is not what is important. When St. Faustina first saw the original image that was being painted under her direction, she wept in disappointment and complained to Jesus: "Who will paint You as beautiful as You are?" (313).

In answer, she heard these words: "Not in the beauty of the colour, nor of the brush lies the greatness of this image, but in My grace" (313).

So, no matter which version of the image we prefer, we can be assured that it is a vehicle of God’s grace if it is revered with trust in His mercy.

I have used this reference as a guide to assist you and to give you a clear understanding regarding this painting.

Should you wish to see this picutre for yourself, it is hung in, Roman Catholic Church of The Five Precious Wounds, Stonebridge Park, Brentfield Road, London NW10 BER

Please be respectful during Mass times.

Thankyou, to The Parish Priest, for his love of Art and attention to detail.
Respectfully,
Andrew.

A useful tip

2020-01-24T12:30:00.001+00:00

Hi,

Today, I want to give you a useful tip that could just help you out one day.

Sometimes I have people call me up asking for me to give them a price over the phone for French polishing work.

And when I tell them that I am unable to do that why? Because how can you price for something that you haven’t seen?

For example, a few days ago I was asked to price for three chairs, again I thought that I have to see them for myself, good job that I did because not only were they in a very bad state, I noticed that one of the back legs had a nasty break in it thus making for a very difficult repair.

Also, the chairs were covered with fabric that was going to be changed, however; I would have to tear back the fabric to gain access to the leg.

Most people are honest but every now and then, I do and have come across people that are not completely honest with me and will not point out known faults with their furniture, until I notice them for myself.

My point is I would strongly suggest that you like me only give a price for works once you have given the item a thorough inspection.

And going back to my inspection of the three chairs, after giving what I thought was a reasonable price the client declined it as it was thought to be too expensive.

Well, at least I saved myself, what could have been what I call a headache job.

Hope this will be of some use to you one day?

Thank you for taking the time to read my posts.

Could they be any worse?

2020-01-07T12:19:00.002+00:00

Welcome,

As you can see that these chairs have not been finished by a professional French polisher.
Showing thick varnish running over the edges and generally looking dreadful.

Certainly in great need of my skills to make them look as good as new.

My Client was extremely delighted with the outcome.

Thanks for taking the time to view my Blogs.

Oak & Beech Desk Restoration

2019-09-07T13:19:00.001+01:00

As the title suggests, this is an Oak and Beech Desk, it was once used in a Convent in London, and is now in use in a Church in North West London.

This was as you can see in a very poor state, and needed my care and attention in order to bring it back to life.

Firstly, I stripped off the entire finish apart from the side and centre panels, after sanding down to a smooth finish, I had to inlay some missing veneers on the top surface.

With the panels not being in too bad a condition, I was able to smooth them down using wet and dry paper for a super smooth finish.

Then I stained the desk using a light Oak stain as would be best suited for this desk. Once dry I then sprayed over with numerous coats of 70% lacquer for a very long-lasting finish.

Also, you will note that the top had a new leather top fitted not by me.
A lovely green leather was chosen and alongside it incorporated a tooled edging as was on the old leather.

Veneer and the polish in a worn-out state

This shows the tooling around the edge.

This is after preparation and staining.

Always, best to remove the handles to ensure a clean drawer surface and access to the back of the handles

Nice new leather top

Now ready to give years of service to the Church.

I hope that you have enjoyed looking at the start to finish pictures, thank you for taking the time to visit my Blogsite.

Another (Dyrlund) Table

2019-04-29T16:09:00.001+01:00

This is typical,

I have finished one table and now just compleated another.

The same process was used as before, the table came to me already stripped and ready for sanding smooth, however, it's not that simple I always inspect the surface for any fine scratch lines that will certainly show up once the table has been stained.

Once sanded, and happy with the stain colour then onto applying various coats of lacquer for a long-lasting and durable finish.

As you can see from the pictures the top came out really nice.

Hope that you have enjoyed looking at these before and after pictures. Thank you for taking the time to visit my site.

When Things Go Wrong?

2019-04-09T15:08:00.003+01:00

When things go wrong?

Well, this is something very important and needs to be looked at as and when it does happen, how do we overcome it and put things right?

Firstly, with experience built up over many years, this will give you a much wider perspective on how to go about the best way to solve the problems as and when they do occur.

How many people have sanded through the veneer? And then the panic sets in oh what can I do now? Well if things are so bad and the affected veneer can’t be touched up then it will need to be replaced with a new veneer.

How many of you have ever taken on a job, and thought how am I ever going to do this? Must be all of us I reckon, I know that I have and many times. Well, for me it works that I stand back from the job and take a fresh look and work out the best way to approach the situation, i.e. should I strip off the old finish? Or should the wood be solid and allow me to sand the surface? As this would remove dents and marks within the surface, however, if I over sandpaper then I would be at risk of losing the old patina should the piece be an antique and that would be dreadful.

How about the classic blister on the surface? How can we deal with that situation? Do we heat the head of a hammer and press the blister down whilst the hammer is still hot so as to melt the old fashioned glue beneath the veneer as this often works on the old Animal glues used and in some workshops are still being used today. Or do we cut a fine line into the veneer and apply glue into the blister and then apply a clamp to apply pressure whilst it dries.

What about the dreadful woodworm? Do we inject the woodworm killer? Or do we soak the wood in a bath of woodworm killer? Well, whatever does the job best for you. Once the killer has dried do we then attempt to fill in the holes? Or do we leave them to show that the item has age and character? Well, that depends on what your client shall be expecting from you, and hopefully, you have had a discussion as to what is possible and what can be achieved given the condition of the item in the first place.

For me, it always seems that I get the jobs that no one else wants to do or perhaps can’t do. Therefore I have a saying that I am sure you have heard before and that is “If you can do the hard jobs the easy ones are very easy”.

One job that I would not take on are pianos why because they take up so much space and the workshop has to be almost spotless, well for me that was very difficult with other furniture to work on at the same time such as sanding causing dust everywhere.

Also, the amount of work that you have to put into working on pianos is tremendous and therefore the price, in my opinion, would be too high and most clients would not wish to pay for all of my efforts.

Over the years I have self-taught myself how to repair furniture and in doing so meant that I rarely had to call in a Carpenter, therefore, keeping the cost down and that makes for a happy client that will come back for other jobs in the future. Smart move.

Well, I hope that this will give you something to think about before you take on a job that you are not quite sure about.

Thank you for taking the time to read my posts, if you like them, please tell your like-minded friends and spread the word.
Kind regards.

Thank you.

Rosewood Circular Flip Flap (Dyrlund) Dining Table

2019-04-03T13:27:00.001+01:00

This is a job that I took on about one year ago now, it came to me with the top lacquer stripped off.

Due to the uneven remnants of the old finish still remaining, I lightly sanded the surface at first with my sander, and then a super smooth using my sanding block. Thus removing any fine lines left by the sanding machine.

Now ready for staining, and finishing.
After checking for any fine scratch marks prior to staining and being confident there were none, it was time to stain using Rosewood stain.

Once dry I sprayed over with several coats of 70% Lacquer as required, once dried, it was time for a smooth down with 1000 grit paper for a very fine finish, then applied several more spray coats of lacquer to ensure a good depth of finish.

As you can see from the pictures that the top came out really nice.

The Table was made in the 1970s and was and still is very popular today.

These Tables were made in Denmark, and sold in very large quantities, I can remember back to the 70s when I used to work on them whilst working for a World famous Department Store in Knightsbridge, in London.

Thanks for taking the time to visit and read my posts.

"Wow" and Thank you all

2019-01-03T13:03:00.001+00:00

As the title suggests, I would like to thank all the people from around the World for visiting my Blogsite.

The most poplar viewers are from:

Here in the UK with 22737

United States of America 9670

Russia 8694

Ukraine 2787

Australia 2092

France 20049

Germany 1678

Poland 1178

Ireland 879

Canada 666

And not to mention all the other Countries that visit this site.

As of 3rd January 2019 13:01 GMT my stats were Sixty Five Thousand.

Thank you so much for your continued interest in French polishing and the content I have available here for you to learn and develop you skills.

Kind regards,
Andrew.

Time to do the ironing!

2018-09-30T14:02:00.002+01:00

Hi,

This is job a that I carried out many years ago now and thought I should share it with you.

How about this beautiful rosewood circular table, that seems to have been used as an ironing board.

As you can see the shape left where the iron must have been laid, and the condensation that has gone into the surface and left its mark.

How did I get rid of this mark? I chose to strip off the old finish with a paint stripper to take it back to the wood.

Then as we do, I sanded the surface smooth in the direction of the grain, and after going through various grades of sandpaper, to eventually have a perfectly smooth surface on which to work.

Now came the stain, I used a rosewood fast-drying stain, that doesn't raise the grain, once dry, I had my spray gun ready with a Semi-Matt lacquer and sprayed over with several coats until I was happy that the grain had sufficient coats as to allow for the first few coats to sink onto the grain, and subsequent coats to build up the surface.

The pictures tell a thousand words.

Look the way the grain has come out stunning!

Thank you for visiting my Blog site, I really appreciate it.

Mistaken for a Tramp

2018-07-24T10:53:00.002+01:00

Mistaken for a Tramp

Recently, I was called to a very prestigious company that I have worked for many years now, and have always been treated with respect by every member of staff, however, this time things changed somewhat.

I had to arrive by 07: am.

I arrived a little earlier just in case I could be let into the company for an early start, however, no security was there as it was before 07: am but I did make polite conversation with a member of staff that I had met before also waiting to be let in.

Whilst waiting for the security to arrive, I sat on my polishing box just by the edge of the pavement and entrance to the company, I was just minding my own business and then suddenly several- security personnel arrived together, most of whom I know from my visits over the years.

Well, one of the security guards, told me to "Go and sit further up the Street", to which I replied, "Why do I need to sit further up the Street?" He answered “You are blocking the entrance" I replied, "How am I blocking the entrance?" “There is plenty of room to pass;” this is when I realised that he thought that I was a tramp and using the entrance to sleep in.

So now, I realised what he was thinking I could play on this and show him for the rude person he must be.

To play along one of the guards took from his pocket a wedge of twenty-pound notes and proceeded to give them to me so-as to leave their entrance and go elsewhere. "I said no thanks for the money I have my pride".

Well, I thought I should tell the guard that I was there to work! He looked surprised and asked, "Whom I was to see?" When I replied to a "Senior member of staff" he was I think blown away and must have felt deflated.

Other guards that I know spoke up to tell this rude guard that they knew me but he was set to show himself off as some sort of Well, you decide.

I hate rudeness from wherever it comes from there is never any good reason to talk to people like dirt.

Eventually, the senior staff member that I was to meet came along, he was informed as to what had happened, and he stated, "That he would be having words with that guard."

Other guards apologised for his rudeness there was no need for him to behave in the way he did.

I hope that he will have learnt something that morning, never judge anyone, you do not know, especially those you think are having hard times and difficulties in their lives, for one day it could just be you or I in that situation.

Always remember it is not what you see on the outside, it is what; is on the inside of a person that matters.

Thanks for stopping by.

Regards,

Andrew.

Work Top Refurbishment

2018-06-11T13:30:00.001+01:00

Yet another difficult job for me to take on as you will see the poor condition of the three worktops.

I wish that I had taken a picture of the centre island top before I started work that's just me wanting to jump in and get started, however, at least I managed to take some pictures to be able to show you the before and after works completed.

The tops are made of solid Walnut and had the usual black burnt ring marks caused by pans being placed straight onto the wooden surface instead of putting them onto a protective base.

Well, I scraped off the old surface using a very sharp blade made of tungsten carbide; a blade made of this material lasts many times longer than a steel blade.

Once all the old finish had been removed, it was now time to start to sandpaper off the entire remaining residue.

Thankfully whilst sanding the surface luckily for me the ring marks finally disappeared, I was so pleased that this had happened, as I knew that my Client would be delighted with my work, therefore, another satisfied customer.

Just had to go over the surface, I used Danish oil as this penetrates the surface and gives a long-lasting finish, and so easy to maintain for my client, after a quick explanation and then let my client have a go at oiling the surface to see how easy it really is.

Do not forget any oiled rags used must be wetted and placed in an outside rubbish bin, as they can be prone to self-combustion if not properly dealt with.

See for yourselves, the standards I set for my work.

Thank you for visiting my Blogsite.

Record player restoration

2018-05-13T22:44:00.002+01:00

I took this on knowing just how difficult it would be, and not being a cabinet maker I had to rely on the skills that I have picked up and developed over the years.

Firstly, I had to remove the veneer as it was in such a poor condition, then with the veneer, I didn't replace it that might have been the best thing to do well not for me! I had to use the original veneer and doing so made it really difficult for me.

After cleaning and smoothing out the veneer and once it was dry, I applied lot's of glue to ensure good adhesion.

Once the clamps were applied and even pressure throughout I left it to dry throughout the night.

The next day, all the clamps were removed and hey presto! The veneer was fixed evenly all over so that was a bonus.

After staining and extensive French polishing to mention nothing about the number of repairs needed to put this back in a good condition.

Well as you can see below, I think that I did a good job? I know that my Customer was very pleased with the result.

You decide for yourself.

This was done years ago now, and after working on this, I was given a Table to work on in a similarly poor condition.
Thanks for viewing.

Viewer Count

2018-03-26T12:54:00.000+01:00

I'm just recording the number of viewers from around the World, that have visited my Blogsite to date.

As of 26th March 2018. I have had 58,192

I would like to thank you all for your loyalty and showing interest in French polishing and related subjects.

Regards,
Andrew.

Sofa Restoration

2018-03-11T11:06:00.001+00:00

This was another job, that was in a poor state however, the framework was in a good sound condition, and like most furniture, made back in the day, it was built to last, unlike the furniture we see about today.

As you can see, this arm has had a lot of use, and now the frame needs to be scraped off and re-finished.

Looks nice Beech timber under all that sprayed on colour

I sanded off the lower rail, and the contrast is so great

After staining and hand French polishing

Beautifully, Upholstered, I don't do the fabric work, that was done by a very experienced Upholsterer

Thanks for reading my posts, if you like what you see? Please tell others.