apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

You can do French polishing yourself. It isn't hard -- it's just EXTREMELY time consuming (and thus expensive labor if you hire someone else.) If you do a layer every night, it won't feel like a huge job. But if you have a spectacular antique, obviously it's best to go with a professional.

The Chicago Home Garden magazine web site has a great local design resource guide, here's their listings for furniture restoration:

http://www.chicagohomemag.com/Chicago-Home/Design-Sources/index.php?category=Furniture Restoration

Sorry, here's the complete link:

http://www.chicagohomemag.com/Chicago-Home/Design-Sources/index.php?category=Furniture Restoration

Evanstonia, does beautiful restoration.... their store on Ravenswood is where the shop is... http://www.evanstoniaantiques.com/

i can't help it
[not knowing what French polishing is],
but French polishing feels like it needs a
*nudgenudgewinkwink saynomore* after it. :)

Whatever you do-- avoid Bernacki.
What they call a french polish (and what they charge for like it is real a french polish) is really just a poor excuse.

If you have a workroom (must be heated-- and not by an open-flame space heater!) you can do this in-- read a book and do it yourself. Not to hard-- just slow and a little stinky. if you are not the DIY type, I'd second talking to Ziggy at Evanstonia.

http://woodworking.about.com/od/finishing/p/FrenchPolishing.htm