Business Details
50 Years
experience
Traditional French Polishing Experts Since 1976
Established in 1976, Padouk Traditional French Polishing has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship in piano and antique furniture restoration. Our expertise spans the meticulous renovation of grand pianos, uprights, square pianos, and diverse antique furniture pieces, combining traditional French polishing techniques with modern precision. We specialise in casework repairs, veneer restoration, brassware renovation, and soundboard repairs, serving clients across Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex. Our workshop in Hindhead, conveniently located 20 minutes from M25 Junction 10, offers secure transportation logistics for delicate items. Collaborations with esteemed firms like Early Keyboard Agency and Abinger Organs attest to our professional standards.Every project begins with a comprehensive survey and written estimate, ensuring transparency and client confidence. With over four decades of dedicated practice, we maintain the artistry of traditional methods while meeting contemporary restoration demands. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through partnerships with industry specialists and adherence to rigorous craftsmanship principles. Clients benefit from tailored solutions, whether working on-site or in our fully equipped workshop. This enduring dedication to excellence has solidified our position as trusted custodians of musical and furniture heritage.
Services
French Polishing
Piano Restoration
Antique Furniture Repair
Brassware Renovation
Casework Repairs
Veneer Restoration
Soundboard Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- Established 1976 with continuous specialist practice
- Proven partnerships with respected industry firms
- Comprehensive piano and furniture restoration services
- Flexible on-site and workshop operations
- Transparent survey and estimate process
What people say
Professionalism confirmed
High standards work
Expertise demonstrated
Quality craftsmanship
Services
French Polishing
Traditional shellac-based finishing technique restoring wood surfaces to their original lustre. Specialising in antique instruments and heritage furniture, we employ time-tested methods to preserve historical integrity while achieving mirror-like finishes. Our process maintains the natural beauty of timber in Surrey and surrounding regions.
Piano Restoration
Comprehensive renovation of grand, upright and square pianos including casework, soundboards and brass components. We combine structural repairs with aesthetic restoration, ensuring both functional excellence and visual authenticity for valuable musical heirlooms across Hampshire.
Antique Furniture Repair
Specialist restoration of period furniture using traditional techniques and materials. Our work preserves historical accuracy while addressing structural issues and surface damage, serving clients in West Sussex with expert conservation of valuable wooden pieces.
Brassware Renovation
Precision restoration of ornamental brass components on pianos and furniture. We employ specialist techniques to revive intricate details while maintaining patina authenticity, complementing our core wood restoration services across southern England.
Casework Repairs
Structural restoration of piano casings and furniture frames using traditional joinery methods. Our expertise handles complex repairs while maintaining original design integrity, serving Surrey clients with delicate wooden structure rehabilitation.
People
Barry Wateridge
Owner & Lead Conservator
Founder of Padouk Traditional French Polishing with over 45 years' experience in piano and furniture restoration. Specialises in heritage conservation techniques, working with leading industry firms to maintain historical accuracy in restoration projects.
Questions
What specialisations does Padouk Traditional French Polishing offer?
We specialise in French polishing, piano restoration (grand, upright and square), antique furniture repairs, brassware renovation, and casework restoration using traditional methods.
Which areas do you serve?
Our services cover Surrey, Hampshire, and West Sussex from our Hindhead workshop, with transportation arrangements for larger items like pianos.
How long have you been operating?
Barry Wateridge established the business in 1976, making us one of the longest-established specialist restoration companies in southern England.
What's your estimate process?
All projects begin with a comprehensive survey and written estimate. A small charge applies for this service, which is deductible from final repair costs.
Can you work on-site?
We offer flexible solutions - while most detailed work happens in our workshop, we can perform certain repairs and assessments at client locations when practical.
