Use adequately insulated mats on French polished surfaces in order to protect the surface from heat damage The unpolished and hidden areas and under sides of furniture can be oiled if one is worried about warping and cracking. Use a thin oil such as Teak oil or Flurit or even Raw Linseed oil. Silver can be cleaned by dipping into Goddards Silver Dip. If the silver becomes dull after a while then Goddards Silver Polish or any other mild abrasive polish can be used to brighten it again. The best method of cleaning is to wash in soapy water regularly and just before tarnish sets in.
French polish means meticulously applying shellac by hand.
This shellac has a natural Gloss. Contrary to common belief French polish was used in Shakespearean times. The formula was tree resin dissolved in Spirits of Wine. It was then applied by hand as we do today. It is virtually impossible to restore without French polishing because the wood nearly always needs some touching up after having been worked on.