An Introduction to French Polishing

Beginner workshop

Curious to learn about the art of French polishing but aren’t sure where to start? Join furniture conservator Shane Orion Wiechnik to learn about the history and application of this beautiful finish – including surface preparation and filling, mixing your own shellac, making your own polishing rubber, and practicing on a range of timber surfaces, and more!

Shellac-based finishes have been used for centuries, and is well known and loved for the beautiful polished surface that can be created by hand, but many of our students have admitted they don’t know where to start. We’ve created this course to help you start your journey with shellac, understand the basics, and feel confident to experiment and finish all sorts of projects of your own.

1 x 7 hour session
$499 per person
Open to students 13+, read our child safe policy here
Course includes moderate physical exertion

    • Practice preparing different timber surfaces for finishing

    • Mix your own shellac

    • Learn about french polishing techniques including making your own rubber to keep

    • Practice french polishing on a range of timber surfaces

  • This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork. It is open to anyone 18 years and over.

    • The language and knowledge to understand finishing techniques and materials

    • Hands on-experience with a range of shellacs and shellac-based materials

    • Sample boards of different finishes on different timbers

    • An understanding of different finishing equipment

    • An understanding of safe clean up and disposal of materials

    • A jar of shellac and shellac rubber.

    • A copy of the deconfusium, the premier finishing pamphlet this end of Sydney St.

  • Among the Trees  is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We care deeply about the children’s well-being and are committed to acting in their best interest at all times. You can read our full Child Safe Policy here: https://www.amongthetrees.com.au/terms/childsafety 

    Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:

    • Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.


    • Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.


    For all students under 18, the full name and contact information for parents and guardians must be provided when booking. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

    • You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, protective eyewear and ear protection however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use.

    • You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.

    • Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).

    • Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.

Here what our participants have to say

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Who We Are

Among The Trees is a small, independent business in Marrickville, Sydney. We rescue reclaimed timber—full of character and history—and make it available for makers, builders, and DIYers. Each piece is carefully salvaged, de-nailed, and milled for a new life.

We’re passionate about teaching. Our woodworking courses are hands-on, beginner-friendly, and run in a relaxed, supportive space. Whether you're new or experienced, we take the time to help you build skills and confidence.

As a certified social enterprise, sustainability is at our core. By choosing reclaimed timber, you’re supporting local makers, reducing waste, and backing a business that cares about people and the planet.

Our Workshop Location

 

Why Among The Trees?

Woodwork courses- Over 650 students in 2024

Over 180 tonnes of timber saved from landfill

Sine opening in 2022, each year we've been pleased to rescue more timber from landfill each year. Hardwoods and softwoods, common species and exotics – it's all beautiful and worth saving!

WOOD WORK COURSES- Over 180 tonnes of timber saved from landfill

Over 650 students in 2024

Since 2022 we've had over 1600 students through our doors to learn woodwork or other sustainable craft skills! Many are beginner woodworkers, with most saying they've never done any woodworking in the past but are exited to do more!

woodwork courses- Over 35 artist tenancies

Over 35 artist tenancies

We've had a range of amazing local artists take up some creative space in our upstairs artist studios! While we're usually full, get in touch if you'd like to be on the waitlist.

Other Upcoming Woodwork Courses