Worn, scratched or cloudy wood finishes rebuilt by hand in thin shellac layers, so the surface looks right again.
What We Do
From a single water ring on a dining table to a full staircase refinish, every job uses hand-applied shellac and pumice pore-filling.
Hand-applied shellac in thin, stable coats restores furniture, staircases and fitted woodwork to a deep, even finish.
Worn, marked or damaged solid wood furniture is inspected, repaired and refinished from loose joints through to final shellac coat.
Scratches, dents and worn patches on French polished surfaces are filled, smoothed and blended to a finish that shows no visible patch.
Dull, scratched or water-marked cabinet surfaces are assessed, prepared and refinished using shellac and colour-matched stain.
Water rings, heat marks and scratches on French polished surfaces are repaired using staged shellac build-up and sheen blending.
Dull sheen, white rings and wax build-up on antique shellac finishes are assessed and treated using colour-matched pad application.
Shellac is applied by pad to restore dull, scratched or worn vintage pieces while preserving the original patina and wood grain.
Shellac and oil finishing make reproduction pieces look settled and period-appropriate rather than flat or obviously new.
Scratched, faded or water-marked wood finishes are colour-matched and rebuilt in place on oak, veneer and French polished surfaces.
Worn cabinet doors and drawer fronts are sanded, filled and finished in shellac using a rubbing-out technique that suits high-touch surfaces.
Bespoke wooden pieces finished in shellac and colour-matched to sit alongside existing furniture or period woodwork.
Worn or patchy shellac finishes on wooden instruments are repaired using thin-layer hand application and careful finish blending.
Built up in thin, stable layers by hand using a traditional polishing pad.
Standard preparation step, not an optional extra.
Sheen and tone matched to the surrounding surface before coats begin.
Surface damage assessed and blended back into the existing finish.
Work carried out in the room with minimal disruption.
Piece collected, restored at the workshop and returned.
Surface checked before any work starts to agree the correct scope.
Written guidance provided once the finish is complete.
“Mark done a brilliant job repairing damaged concrete above our front door. Very trustworthy and reliable.”
Method Matters
Rushed or poorly prepared shellac work leaves visible joins, mismatched sheen and a finish that wears through again quickly. Here is where those failures start and how we avoid them.
Applying shellac over an uneven or contaminated surface traps imperfections and causes the finish to peel or cloud within months.
Pumice pore-filling and surface cleaning are carried out before the first shellac coat, so the finish bonds correctly and stays stable.
Applying new shellac without matching the existing colour and sheen level leaves a visible patch that reads as a repair rather than a restoration.
Colour and sheen are matched to the surrounding surface before any coats go on, so the repaired area blends rather than stands out.
Sprayed or brushed lacquer applied over an old shellac surface can lift the original finish and is incompatible with antique or period woodwork.
Shellac is applied by pad in thin, stable layers, the same method suited to antiques, period fitted woodwork and fine furniture.
Starting work without a written scope means extra preparation steps become unexpected costs once the surface is already stripped back.
A free written quote sets out scope, timings and aftercare guidance after inspection or photos, before any work begins.
Why Presto Repairs
Every job is carried out directly by Mark, with a clear written quote, no subcontractors and aftercare guidance once the work is done.
Mark Walpole carries out every job directly. No subcontractors handle your piece at any stage.
After an inspection or photos, you receive a written quote with scope, timings and aftercare guidance before work starts.
Pumice pore-filling and colour matching are standard preparation steps, not extras charged on top of the quoted price.
You choose whether the work is done in the room or the piece is collected, restored and returned to you.
Once the finish is complete, clear aftercare guidance is provided so the surface stays in good condition between jobs.
Furniture and architectural woodwork across Essex has been restored using traditional shellac pad application since 2015.
How It Works
01
Send photos or arrange an inspection and you receive a free written quote with scope, timings and aftercare guidance.
02
The surface is cleaned, pore-filled and colour-matched before shellac is applied by pad in thin, stable layers.
03
Once the finish is complete, you review the result and receive written aftercare guidance to keep the surface in good condition.
About French Polishing
Understanding the method helps you decide whether it is the right approach for your piece.
French polishing is a hand-applied wood finishing technique that uses shellac dissolved in alcohol, worked into the surface using a polishing pad in thin, overlapping coats. Each coat is built up gradually, filling the wood grain and creating a finish that ranges from a soft, warm sheen to a deep, high-gloss surface depending on the number of coats and the final buffing stage. Because the shellac is applied by hand rather than sprayed or brushed, the finish follows the natural contours of the wood grain and can be controlled precisely, which is why it remains the preferred method for antiques, period furniture and fine cabinetry where a modern lacquer would look out of place.
The process begins with a surface assessment to check the condition of the existing finish, identify any scratches, water rings or worn-through areas, and decide whether a spot repair or a fuller refinish is needed. Preparation follows: the surface is cleaned, any old wax or contamination removed, and pumice pore-filling is carried out to level the grain before the first shellac coat goes on. Colour matching is done at this stage so the new finish blends with the surrounding surface rather than reading as a visible repair. On older and period properties across Essex, original fitted woodwork, staircases and panelling often carry decades of shellac that simply needs reviving rather than stripping, and preparation work determines whether that is possible.
Once the surface is prepared, shellac is applied by pad in thin, stable layers, with each coat allowed to harden before the next is added. The final stage is buffing and burnishing to bring the finish to the agreed sheen level, a stronger gloss for formal furniture or a softer, more muted finish for pieces where a high shine would look wrong. The result is a surface that is smooth and even in normal light, with colour and grain reading consistently across the whole piece. Aftercare is straightforward: shellac responds well to light waxing and is sensitive to water and heat, so clear guidance on both is provided once the work is complete.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small repair or touch-up | £20-£60 |
| Scratch or dent repair with polishing | £30-£100 |
| Repolish a small or medium piece | £80-£200 |
| Refinish and polish a medium dining table | £150-£350 |
| Specialist antique French polishing | £500-£1500 |
“Mark done a brilliant job repairing damaged concrete above our front door. Very trustworthy and reliable.”
“Presto Repairs is an absolute miracle worker when it comes to cosmetic repairs. I’ve used his services multiple times, and he consistently delivers perfect results at a fair price. He’s tackled everything in my home - from dog-chewed wood trim that now looks brand new, to a chipped fireplace surround that’s been flawlessly restored. The bathroom tile repair he completed is seamless - you’d never know there was damage there. Even outdoor items exposed to the elements have been brought back to life under his skilled hands. What sets Presto Repairs apart is his versatility and attention to detail. No matter the material or the extent of damage, he approaches each job with the same level of care and precision. If you have any cosmetic repairs needed around your home, I can’t recommend Presto Repairs highly enough. He’s responsive, professional, and truly talented at what he does. Five stars!”
A Learmouth6 months ago“Absolutely incredible. Mark repaired our kitchen cabinet and I had no idea this was going to be repaired to look good as new! I’m very impressed, Mark was brilliant and has fantastic customer service skills. We will be using again if necessary and will be recommending to anyone in need of repairs!”
Gemma Abbey11 months ago“Exceptional Service from Start to Finish! I had a damaged kitchen unit that needed repairing, and I’m so glad I found Presto Repairs. From the moment I spoke to Mark, I felt confident I was in good hands. He was friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. Mark took the time to explain exactly what needed doing and gave honest advice without any pressure. The repair was carried out with genuine care and precision. It’s clear they take pride in their work and do things properly. The price to value was a no brainer for me, too. What stood out to me was the trust and honesty. It’s rare to find tradespeople who are this reliable and easy to deal with. Mark was approachable, respectful, and genuinely wanted to help, not just get the job done. My kitchen unit looks new again, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use Presto Repairs again. If you’re looking for someone skilled, trustworthy, and a pleasure to deal with, Mark is the person you’ve been looking for and highly recommended!”
Yau - ken Huynha year ago“Fantastic support right from the off. Quick response to initial query. A phone call to explain what could be done, the reason for the proposed solution and an accurate fee quote. The work was of the highest standard. Mark was a great communicator, timely and professional throughout. Highly recommended”
Iain Keith Daw12 months agoAll reviews are genuine, sourced from our Google Business Profile.
About Us
Essex French Polishing is run by Mark Walpole, trading as Presto Repairs, restoring wooden furniture and architectural woodwork across Essex since 2015. We work on water rings, faded grain, scratches and old cloudy finishes, rebuilding the shellac in thin, stable layers by hand.
About usWe exist to bring worn and damaged wood finishes back to life for homeowners and businesses across Essex by applying traditional French polishing methods directly, by hand.
Every quote names the scope, method and timings before work starts.
Shellac is built in thin layers with pumice filling and colour matching at each stage.
The same person assesses, quotes and carries out the polishing on every job.
Aftercare guidance is given after finishing so the result lasts as long as possible.
Areas We Cover
We travel to homes and commercial properties throughout the county, or collect pieces for workshop finishing.
Send your postcode with your enquiry and we will confirm availability when we respond.
Request a QuoteSend photos or arrange an inspection and we will provide a free written quote with scope, timings and aftercare guidance, no obligation to proceed.