Is a wood finishing technique that results in a very high gloss surface and deep colour. It consists of applying many thin coats of shellac disolved in alcohol using a rubber pad lubricated with oil. The finish is considered by many to be a beautiful way to finish highly figured wood, but it is also recognised to be fragile. It is softer than modern varnishes and lacquers and is particularly sensitive to spills of water or alcohol, which often produce white cloudy marks. However, it is far more forgiving than any other finish, in the sense that, unlike laquers or varnish, it can be easily repaired. Equally patch repairs to French polish may be easily blended into an existing finish.