Finishing

I use classical, traditional finishes for all of my work. I use shellac in a variety of polish forms to seal wood and produce the surface of my client's choosing. Finishes may be deep and mirror smooth, as most people would expect of French Polish, or a light polish where further waxing provides a lustrous finish to the wood.

Please bear in mind that some wood will not take a mirror French Polish easily. Oak for instance will take an age to have its grain filled. The process can be accelerated slightly but it can be very time consuming.

In newly made furniture I shall always take the utility of the piece into consideration. Alas we are no longer in an age where furniture is often a purely decorative element of a room. As a result, whilst I shall always use a traditional finish to seal a piece I shall consult with a client as to how they might want a more modern finish to avoid damage to surfaces. There are a number of modern oil and water-based finishes that I prefer. Every finish has its pros and cons.

With classical furniture I shall always use traditional finishes comprising shellac and wax. I have a small "laboratory" where I can create classical, bespoke finishes for use on furniture if something suitable is not available off the shelf.  I have an extensive reference library comprising some very old books describing all sorts of traditional wizardry in the preparation of surfaces and the finishing of wood. I would never use a modern finish on antique or vintage furniture so please don't ask me. Personally I feel such an approach undermines the originality of a piece.

I have already mentioned my "laboratory". I also have a great interest in the treatment of wood to remove finishes, to remove taint where wood has a mould infestation (but not spalted) and to treat wood prior to its use in a piece whether it is being made or restored. If you have something that you would like me to look at then please do get in touch.

Mark Adams

mark@lachlanadams.com