How to Maintain French Polished & Lacquered Furniture
French polished and lacquered furniture is prized for its rich shine and smooth finish. These finishes are beautiful but can be delicate, so regular care is important to keep them looking their best.
Using Gilly’s Cream Polish is a simple way to maintain these surfaces. A quality cream polish helps clean, nourish and protect the finish while restoring its natural sheen.
Why Regular Maintenance Matters
French polish is created using many thin layers of shellac to produce a deep, glossy finish that highlights the timber’s natural grain. Because this finish is relatively delicate compared with modern coatings, it benefits from gentle cleaning and regular maintenance to preserve its appearance.
Over time, finishes can become dry or dull from dust, handling and environmental conditions. Maintaining the surface with a suitable polish helps protect the finish and keep the furniture looking beautiful.
How Cream Polish Helps Protect the Finish
Gilly’s Cream Polish works by gently cleaning the surface while leaving behind a nourishing protective layer.
Regular use can help:
- Restore shine to dull or tired finishes.
- Reduce the appearance of light surface scratches.
- Nourish the finish so it remains flexible.
- Help prevent the finish from drying out, cracking or splitting.
- Provide a light protective barrier against everyday wear.
Polishing wood surfaces also helps protect them from moisture and minor surface damage by forming a protective layer over the finish.
Step-by-Step: Maintaining French Polished or Lacquered Furniture
1. Dust the Surface
Before polishing, wipe the furniture with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and debris. Regular dusting helps prevent scratches and keeps the surface clean.
2. Apply Cream Polish
Apply a small amount of Gilly’s Cream Polish onto a clean soft cloth rather than directly onto the furniture.
Spread the polish sparingly over the surface, not more than one square metre at a time, in a circular motion.
3. Buff to a Shine
Allow the polish to sit briefly, then buff the surface with a clean cloth. This restores the natural lustre and leaves a smooth protective finish.
Ongoing Care Tips
To keep French polished and lacquered furniture in excellent condition:
- Dust regularly with a soft cloth.
- Use a gentle furniture polish rather than harsh chemical cleaners.
- Keep furniture away from direct heat and sunlight, which can damage the finish.
- Wipe up spills quickly to prevent marks.
- Reapplying Cream Polish periodically helps maintain the finish, keeping it nourished and protected.