Logo

Preserving the Past: Techniques for Restoring and Reviving Antique Furniture

In the realm of antique furniture, you will encounter various approaches to restoration. Warning: Not all approaches are accurate and authentic! Some restorers prioritize achieving a flawless finish that aligns with contemporary interiors, often disregarding the historical essence of the piece. Instead, seek restorers who engage in complete transformations as part of an upcycling endeavor.

 

A damaged antique impacts the value significantly and can easily be detected by experienced buyers and dealers, who can then adjust the price accordingly. In contrast, restoration is a complex process that can have an equal influence on the value. It is not always readily noticeable, and a skilled restorer can transform a severely damaged piece into a pristine condition. It is important to note that restored antiques are not considered fake; this is simply a way to retain their authenticity.

 

The process is one that cannot be rushed. Don’t let your antiques become available to amateurs…ensure these treasures are restored to their original beauty properly and precisely with these following steps:

Investigate the condition

Remember that you are acquiring an artifact that may be hundreds or even thousands of years old, so perfection cannot be expected, and natural changes or decay over time may have occurred. It is advisable to engage the expertise of professionals when it comes to restoration, storage, mounting, cleaning, or repairs of your ancient pieces.

 

Observe the period and genre

The first step to restoring an antique piece would be to observe the period and genre, narrowing down to a smaller range of dates when it would have been created.  If there are missing parts (like a veneer section, a carving, hardware, or a body part in figures), having knowledge of the date, a restoration specialist can source a period-correct replacement.

interior design by timothy corrigan

Repair veneer

When repairing veneer, just like matching a pattern on a chair from the cushion to the frame, the wood grain should line up with as little a break as possible.  A particular kind of glue known in the antique world for hundreds of years is bone hide glue, which exhibits great strength, low-pressure gap-filling ability, high initial tack, and fast cure.

CP BLOG QUOTES (12)

Rebuild to restore structural instability

One of the primary reasons for furniture restoration is structural instability, such as separating joints on unbalanced chairs. Traditional approaches to address this problem involve fully disassembling and rebuilding the piece.  This comprehensive process enables thorough examination and repair of each component before carefully reassembling them to enhance precision and overall strength as needed.

Shine on

Finishes like French polish, wax, and shellac are key in bringing the shine back to the surface of antique wood.  Waxing a table-top regularly will allow the surface to resist moisture from a glass of sweating ice water.  To preserve your item’s integrity, avoid subjecting it to sudden fluctuations in temperature, humidity, or brightness.

 

CIRCAPHILES HAS OVER 100 RESTORATION SPECIALISTS AND WOOD FINISHERS AROUND THE GLOBE TO HELP WITH YOUR CLIENTS’ PRIZED ANTIQUES. 

 

ACCESS THESE CONNOISSEURS ON THE SITE TODAY!

not a member yet? apply and gain access today!

button- Become a member