Rob Cain
A 2nd generation master French Polisher with over three decades of devotion to the craft. Rob operates from "The Old Polishing Shop" in Grassington, Yorkshire—a studio where tradition breathes and stories are preserved.
Rob has appeared on 3 seasons of "The Restorers" sharing his expert knowledge on furniture restoration. He has also featured on Channel 4 and the BBC, as well as BBC radio and various magazines.
"Every piece of furniture has a story. My role is to ensure those stories continue for generations to come."
The Craft
Traditional Techniques,
Modern Excellence
The Fad
Loading the bundled cloth with shellac—a technique passed down through generations.
The Application
Patient, circular motions build depth and lustre over time—craftsmanship cannot be rushed.
The Transformation
The reveal—where tired, dull surfaces are brought back to life with rich, warm lustre.
The System
Three Steps to
Timeless Beauty
A professional restoration system distilled into three essential steps— developed from decades of master craftsmanship.
Revive
Prepare and cleanse the surface with professional-grade reviver and wire wool. Remove decades of buildup to reveal the wood beneath.
Restore
Apply shellac using traditional French polishing techniques with a fad. Build depth and lustre through patient, methodical application.
Replenish
Seal and protect with premium wax and polishing cloths. The final touch that ensures lasting beauty and protection.
Professional Services
Restoration
As It Should Be
From treasured family heirlooms to valuable antiques, every piece receives the attention and expertise of a master craftsman. Traditional techniques meet modern standards of excellence.
- ✦Furniture restoration & French polishing
- ✦Antique conservation & repair
- ✦Color matching & custom finishes
- ✦Commercial projects for designers & dealers
Client Testimonials
Words from
Those We've Served
Excellent informative and instructive hands-on course – Rob is great at explaining and demonstrating techniques. He gives you confidence to continue on your own but is also happy to answer any questions. He is enthusiastic and instils that in the participants – so much so I've rushed out to buy the necessary stuff and have a project lined up! It was the best 4 hours I've spent on a mindful activity and the ambience of the studio set at the back of his shop, the herbal tea and, if you are lucky, sticky gingerbread all helped to make it a thoroughly enriching experience! Thanks Rob.
If you fancy a new hobby that doesn't cost the earth (I have since bought everything I need to get started for under £70) then this is the course for you. Rob is an excellent and very knowledgeable teacher and encourages a hands-on approach. You do all the processes. He is also very interesting to talk to about 'the craft'. I had a wonderful time learning how to turn some pretty awful looking wooden tabletops into things of beauty with a mirror-like finish. Only one warning – you'll be drawing horizontal figures-of-eight in your sleep afterwards! You'll have to go on the course to find out what I mean. Rob also supplies a very good cup of coffee.
Two of us did the English Polisher course at the weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. Rob was very patient and taught us a great deal. We couldn't believe that we'd both created a glass-like polished surface on the old tabletops we'd been working on during the day. Highly rewarding and thank you, Rob!
