Piano French Polishing in Northampton & Surrounding Areas

We French polish and refinish grand and upright pianos, restoring the deep, mirror-like finish that brings out the figure of the wood in a piano case.

Piano cases are often veneered in fine woods such as mahogany, walnut and rosewood, and many have inlays, marquetry or gilded lettering on the fallboard. Every piano starts with an assessment of the wood and the existing finish, so we can recommend the right approach, from cutting back and re-polishing a tired finish to a full strip and French polish.

We also repair chips, scratches and damaged veneers on piano cases, colour matching repairs so they blend in with the original finish.

How we French polish a piano

1. Assessment and advice. We look at the case, the veneers and the existing finish, and advise whether the piano can be cleaned and revived or needs a full strip and re-polish. Pianos are always French polished on site, in your home, as they are too heavy and impractical to move.
2. Preparation. Lids, fallboards and removable panels are taken off where possible, and the keys and strings are protected while the case is worked on.
3. Veneer and surface repairs. Lifting veneer is re-laid, chips and scratches are filled, and water rings and heat marks are removed, with repairs colour matched to the original wood.
4. Grain filling and bodying up. The grain is filled so the surface is perfectly level, then many thin coats of shellac are built up by hand with a polishing rubber.
5. Finishing. The case is brought up to a deep mirror gloss, the traditional finish for pianos, or cut back to a satin sheen if you prefer.

We also restore gilding on piano cases, carefully protecting original maker's names and lettering on the fallboard while the case is polished. We do not replace lettering.

Grand and upright pianos

We French polish grand, baby grand and upright pianos, including period instruments with inlays, marquetry and carved legs. Piano cases are often veneered in fine woods such as mahogany, walnut and rosewood, and a skilled French polish brings out the depth and figure of the veneer in a way a modern spray finish cannot.

Getting a quote

Every piano is different. The time and cost depend on the size of the piano, the condition of the finish, the repairs needed and whether it needs a full re-polish, so we price each job individually. For a quote, send us a few photos of the piano using our contact form or WhatsApp.

Areas we cover

We are based in Horton, just outside Northampton, and carry out piano French polishing across Northampton and the surrounding villages, including Great Brington, Church Brampton, Boughton, Brixworth, Moulton and East Haddon. We also work throughout south Northamptonshire and north Buckinghamshire, including Towcester, Silverstone, Whittlebury, Deanshanger, Stowe and Buckingham, and further east in Woburn, Aspley Guise and Turvey in Bedfordshire, and Olney, Newport Pagnell and Wing in Buckinghamshire.