Sep 12 | Fearless French Polishing w/ David Cochrane

Saturday, September 12th, Noon - 2 pm EST (NYC time)

French Polish is a centuries-old traditional craft renowned for producing the clearest wood finish with unparalleled depth and beauty. Historically, it was a notoriously fussy and temperamental process that required a three-year apprenticeship in France. While traditional French Polish is delicate—famously easily marred by water or alcohol rings—the underlying application techniques are incredibly valuable. This workshop demystifies the process, offering a practical overview of these traditional skills and demonstrating their modern adaptability for guitars, fine furniture, and the arts.

David Cochrane and Roger Danilo Carmona will initiate this workshop with a discussion and Q&A on the materials used. Participants will then have an opportunity for some hands-on experience to practice the techniques discussed.

What You Will Learn

Through hands-on demonstration and instruction, you will gain the skills to execute a quick polish on almost any surface. Topics covered include:

• The Fundamentals: A comprehensive primer on surface preparation, sanding techniques, and managing solvents.
• Working with Shellac: Using traditional sanding sealer (de-waxed shellac) that is free of paraffin, allowing it to be easily re-coated and sanded.
• Application Techniques: How to fashion your own custom applicator from scratch.
• Adaptable Skills: A basic, working knowledge of traditional finishing that you can adapt to a wide variety of modern projects.

About the instructor: David Cochrane

Raised in a family of builders, painters, and photographers, David’s hands-on education started early. At nineteen, he worked at a Philadelphia gallery importing French Art Nouveau and Art Deco furniture, where he first mastered restoration and French Polishing. His crowning achievement there was a three-month restoration of a twelve-foot Brazilian Rosewood parquetry conference table—which promptly pre-sold for $110,000. Realizing the immense value of his craft, David struck out on his own as a restoration carpenter. Today, he uses his lifelong expertise in restoration to support his passions for acting, auto restoration, and building musical instruments.

• CANCELLATION POLICY: You can cancel for a refund up to 3 DAYS BEFORE a class. This means that you have until Wednesday to cancel your registration for a Saturday class.
  
• Our workshop area is on the basement or mezzanine level, and is only accessible by stairs.
• Limited to 12 participants in person. 
• Participants receive a 20% discount off purchases for seven days after the workshop.