Staircase Polishing Services

French polishing is a wood finishing technique that produces a very smooth, glossy finish. It is typically applied to stairs and other wood surfaces like bannisters and runners that require a high level of shine and lustre. 

French polishing involves applying a combination of shellac, oil, and alcohol to a surface in a series of thin, overlapping layers. This process creates a durable, lustrous finish that is resistant to wear and tear.

Using a professional service will help you restore any antique wooden staircase, as experts will know how to work with all types of wood.

The first step to restoring an antique wooden stairway is to assess the current condition of the wood. This includes inspecting the wood for any warping, cracking, or rotting and noting any areas that may need to be repaired. After assessing the condition of the wood, we use a sander to remove any existing finish, such as paint or stain.

A belt sander works best for removing multiple layers of finish, but a orbital sander will work fine for removing one layer of finish. Once the existing finish has been removed, we use steel wool to remove any remaining residue and smooth out the wood.

Once the wood is prepped, apply a wood conditioner and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. This will help the wood absorb the stain more evenly. After the conditioner has been applied, use a brush or rag to apply the stain. Allow the stain to penetrate deeply into the wood for about 15 minutes before wiping off any excess.

Once the stain has been fully absorbed, finish the stairway with a protective sealant such as polyurethane. Be sure to apply multiple coats of the sealant and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next. With a little bit of effort and the right products, you can restore your antique wooden stairway to its former glory.

Please note this job requires skill and expertise, and you could damage the wood further by attempting DIY.

We are based in Ringmer and Newhaven so can cover East and West Sussex.

BN3 : Aldrington, Hangleton, West Blatchington and Poets corner.
BN1 Central Brighton: Coledean, Falmer, Patcham, Stanmer, Hollingbury and Withdean.
BN2 East Brighton: Bevendean, Black Rock, Brighton Marina, Kemptown, Moulsecoomb, Ovingdean, Rottingdean, Saltdean, Woodingdean.

To the West:
BN41: Portslade and Fishersgate
BN42: Southwick
BN43: Shoreham by Sea
BN11: Worthing, Adur
BN12: Ferring, Goring-by-Sea
BN14: Broadwater, Findon, Northend, Tarring
BN15: Lancing, Coombes, Sompting

BN16: Angmering, Arun, East Preston, Kingston Gorse, Rustington
BN17: Littlehampton, Climping, Lyminster, Wick
BN18: Arundel, Amberley, Binsted, Burpham, Crossbush, Fontwell, Ford, Houghton, Madehurst, Poling, Slindon, Slindon Common, South Stoke, Tortington, Walberton, Warningcamp, Wepham, Yapton

To the East:

BN9: Newhaven, Piddinghoe, South Heighton, Tarring Neville
BN10: Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs
BN20: Beachy Head, East Dean, Friston, Old Town, Ratton, Wannock, Willingdon
BN21: Eastbourne Old Town
BN22: Hampden Park, Willingdon
BN23: Friday Street, Langney, Sovereign Harbour
BN24: Pevensey, Beachlands, Hankham, Normans Bay, Pevensey Bay, Stone Cross, Westham
BN25: Seaford, Bishopstone, Cuckmere Haven, Exceat, Norton, Rookery Hill, Westdean
BN26: Polegate, Alciston, Alfriston, Arlington, Berwick, Caneheath, Filching, Folkington, Jevington, Litlington, Lullington, Milton Street, Sayerland, Selmeston, Summerhill, Wilmington

To the North:

BN5: Henfield, Blackstone, Edburton, Fulking, Small Dole, Wineham, Woodmancote, Horsham
BN6: Hassocks, Albourne, Clayton, Ditchling, Goddards Green, Hurstpierpoint, Keymer, Newtimber, Sayers Common, Streat, Westmeston
BN7: Lewes, Cooksbridge, East Chiltington, Iford, Kingston, Offham, Plumpton, Plumpton Green, Rodmell, Southease, Swanborough, Telscombe
BN8: Barcombe, Barcombe Cross, Beddingham, Chailey Green, Chiddingly, East Hoathly, Firle, Glynde, Halland, Hamsey, Holmes Hill, Laughton, Newick, North Chailey, Ringmer, Ripe, Shortgate, South Chailey, Southerham, Stoneham, Whitesmith
BN13: Clapham, Durrington, High Salvington, Patching, Tarring
BN27: Hailsham, Amberstone, Bodle Street, Bodle Street Green, Boreham Street, Carters Corner, Chalvington, Cowbeech, Downash, Golden Cross, Hellingly, Herstmonceux, Horsebridge, Lower Dicker, Lower Horsebridge, Magham Down, Mulbrooks, Rickney, Trolliloes, Upper Dicker, Wartling, Windmill Hill
BN44: Steyning, Ashurst, Botolphs, Bramber, Upper Beeding, Wiston
BN45: Poynings, Pyecombe, Saddlescombe