French polishing is a technique of applying polish to wood to give a high gloss finish. The polish used is made of shellac (the shell of the lac beetle) dissolved in spirit and is applied using a pad to build up many layers of polish. French polishing became popular in Europe in the 18th Century and was imported to England from France in about 1820. It was used very widely throughout the 19th Century into the early 20th Century. Prior to its introduction wood surfaces on furniture were either finished with wax or by using a variety of different varnishes.
A surface that is French polished should be protected from heat and moisture. Regular dusting and the occasional application of wax will keep the surface in good condition. Spray polishes should not be used as they will damage the polish.