| Just like any other material, antique furniture pieces | | | | the furniture piece has a unique design from the old |
| may deteriorate over time. When such happens, the | | | | or medieval years. If the furniture looks like a classic |
| owner is faced with the question of whether he | | | | example of art from another century or decade, it |
| should refinish or restore the antique piece. In | | | | would be preferable to do some light cleaning only to |
| choosing which process should be undertaken, it is | | | | ultimately conserve the furniture piece instead of |
| vital for the antique owner to have a complete | | | | altering it and diminish its value. |
| understanding of the difference between the two. | | | | The craftsman or the manufacturer of the furniture: |
| What is the difference between Antique Restoration | | | | There are some cases when the value of the |
| and Antique Refinishing? | | | | furniture is based on who crafted such. Thus, the |
| As the name implies, Antique Restoration process | | | | furniture is considered valuable and notable regardless |
| refers to the step by step procedures to "restore" | | | | of its age and functionality. In such cases, light |
| the antique piece. Basically, the process ensures that | | | | cleaning is recommended as refinishing will ultimately |
| the antique object will not lose its value or worth. | | | | make the item an ordinary furniture piece. |
| Antique restoration may refer to light cleaning, | | | | The basis of value: There are some instances where |
| antique refinishing, or conservation. | | | | the restorer would have to choose what to prioritize- |
| Antique refinishing is a method of antique restoration. | | | | the age or the functionality of the antique furniture |
| In this restoration technique, the restorer usually | | | | piece. In the case of tables, chairs, beds, closets, |
| prioritizes the upholding of the functionalities of the | | | | doors, and other huge furniture pieces that are not |
| antique furniture. | | | | ideal for mere display, it is best and more practical to |
| For example, if the antique furniture is a table, the | | | | focus on the preservation of the antique's |
| restorer would have to make sure that the legs of | | | | functionality. However, in the case of display items |
| the table are in good shape and condition to hold | | | | such as paintings, jars, lamps, and other small antique |
| some weight on the flat surface where food can be | | | | objects which can be displayed and used solely as a |
| displayed. As such, aside from light cleaning or the | | | | decorative art, some light cleaning or conservation will |
| process of removing dirt and stain from the item, | | | | be the best way to go. |
| reassembling and repainting should also be considered. | | | | The cost of the restoration process: Budget is a |
| However, the restorer should make sure that | | | | prime consideration when restoring antique furniture |
| regardless of whatever he does, the antique furniture | | | | pieces. The restorer would have to note that there |
| should be able to retain, if not totally increase its | | | | are some furniture pieces that would need highly |
| value. | | | | expensive materials in order to restore or refinish |
| The factors that should be considered | | | | them. As such, in cases where antique furniture will |
| In deciding whether an antique piece should undergo | | | | be used only for home purposes, the more |
| refinishing, the restorer or the owner of the piece | | | | cost-effective restoration process should be |
| should consider the following factors: | | | | considered. |
| The peculiarity of the furniture's design: Consider if | | | | |