- Home
- Music
- Musical Instruments
- French Polishing & Varnishing String Instruments (A Step-by-Step Guide)
French Polishing & Varnishing String Instruments (A Step-by-Step Guide)
List Price:
$27.99
| Expected release date is Nov 10th 2026 |
- Availability: Confirm prior to ordering
- Branding: minimum 50 pieces (add’l costs below)
- Check Freight Rates (branded products only)
Branding Options (v), Availability & Lead Times
- 1-Color Imprint: $2.00 ea.
- Promo-Page Insert: $2.50 ea. (full-color printed, single-sided page)
- Belly-Band Wrap: $2.50 ea. (full-color printed)
- Set-Up Charge: $45 per decoration
- Availability: Product availability changes daily, so please confirm your quantity is available prior to placing an order.
- Branded Products: allow 10 business days from proof approval for production. Branding options may be limited or unavailable based on product design or cover artwork.
- Unbranded Products: allow 3-5 business days for shipping. All Unbranded items receive FREE ground shipping in the US. Inquire for international shipping.
- RETURNS/CANCELLATIONS: All orders, branded or unbranded, are NON-CANCELLABLE and NON-RETURNABLE once a purchase order has been received.
Product Details
Author:
Stephen Frith
Format:
Paperback
Pages:
112
Publisher:
The Crowood Press (November 10, 2026)
Imprint:
The Crowood Press
Release Date:
November 10, 2026
Language:
English
Audience:
General/trade
ISBN-13:
9780719846397
ISBN-10:
0719846390
Weight:
4.99oz
Dimensions:
7.44" x 9.69" x 0.295"
File:
Eloquence-SimonSchuster_05022026_P10038138_onix30_Complete-20260502.xml
Folder:
Eloquence
List Price:
$27.99
Pub Discount:
65
Case Pack:
20
As low as:
$21.55
Publisher Identifier:
P-SS
Discount Code:
A
Overview
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO TRADITIONAL FINISHES FROM BARE WOOD TO REPAIRS FOR GUITARS, VIOLINS AND MORE
Discover the art and science behind one of the most beautiful, durable and acoustically sensitive finishes ever developed. French Polishing & Varnishing String Instruments is a comprehensive, expert-led manual for applying spirit varnish and French polish – ideal for classical guitars, violins and other fine stringed instruments.
Whether you’re a luthier, restorer or hands-on enthusiast, this practical guide takes you through every aspect of the process, from raw materials to final burnish – delivering a finish that looks stunning, protects the instrument and enhances its tonal character.
Topics covered include:
Why choose French polish? Understand the unique acoustic, aesthetic and
practical benefits – non-toxic, scratch-resistant, repairable and historically revered
The materials and chemistry behind shellac, resins, and spirit varnish, including how to make and store your own
Step-by-step instructions for preparing surfaces, building up coats, applying final finishes and achieving professional-grade burnishing
Detailed repair techniques, including invisible crack repair, shellac dust fills and touchups
that blend seamlessly with the original finish
Care and aftercare tips for protecting your polish, plus essential advice for first-time storage, heat exposure and restoring dulled areas
Expert guidance on polishing violin fittings and guitar hardware, using both traditional and innovative methods
Also included is a curated list of suppliers for high-quality tools and materials, ensuring you have everything you need to get started.
Discover the art and science behind one of the most beautiful, durable and acoustically sensitive finishes ever developed. French Polishing & Varnishing String Instruments is a comprehensive, expert-led manual for applying spirit varnish and French polish – ideal for classical guitars, violins and other fine stringed instruments.
Whether you’re a luthier, restorer or hands-on enthusiast, this practical guide takes you through every aspect of the process, from raw materials to final burnish – delivering a finish that looks stunning, protects the instrument and enhances its tonal character.
Topics covered include:
Why choose French polish? Understand the unique acoustic, aesthetic and
practical benefits – non-toxic, scratch-resistant, repairable and historically revered
The materials and chemistry behind shellac, resins, and spirit varnish, including how to make and store your own
Step-by-step instructions for preparing surfaces, building up coats, applying final finishes and achieving professional-grade burnishing
Detailed repair techniques, including invisible crack repair, shellac dust fills and touchups
that blend seamlessly with the original finish
Care and aftercare tips for protecting your polish, plus essential advice for first-time storage, heat exposure and restoring dulled areas
Expert guidance on polishing violin fittings and guitar hardware, using both traditional and innovative methods
Also included is a curated list of suppliers for high-quality tools and materials, ensuring you have everything you need to get started.









