| In an old home with a rich history, there may be | | | | again. Before doing anything, first assess its value and |
| antique items unknowingly stowed away in its | | | | origin. Look for marks or labels; its value could |
| forgotten crooks and crannies-the attic, the | | | | increase if it's made by a master craftsman. |
| basement, the storage room, or even the garage. | | | | Take pictures of these labels for your records. |
| While some items may not be of any value, other | | | | Consult a professional also, to know exactly what |
| than sentimental, you may be lucky enough to find | | | | about it makes it an antique. For example, removing a |
| antique pieces. Objects that have been kept and | | | | collectible's antique finish could lessen its value so you |
| passed down through the generations could be of | | | | wouldn't want to mistakenly sand it off. |
| great worth, especially furniture. | | | | Next, following the directions of a professional, clean |
| There are countless places to find antique furniture | | | | and repair the object. Through cleaning you may also |
| other than your home, such as garage sales, | | | | find a nice finish underneath, which lessens your |
| secondhand stores, flea markets, and household | | | | work. While cleaning requires only a sponge, |
| auctions. While you could scour antique stores for | | | | vegetable-based oil soap, and warm water, repairing |
| furniture, it usually is expensive and not as satisfying | | | | may be more expensive if you need antique parts. |
| as restoring pieces you find on your own. | | | | On the other hand, repair could be as simple as |
| When undertaking a restoration, don't be put off if | | | | tightening a few screws, so do a thorough check. |
| the object's in bad shape; busted legs, water marks, | | | | Lastly, you can begin refinishing or painting. Taking off |
| or scratches only need a little work. However, | | | | the old finish needs a good amount of elbow grease, |
| restoration is different than refinishing. While | | | | and determining the best stain for the wood requires |
| refinishing requires a surface change, restoration is | | | | research; but in the end, you'll have a clean and |
| much more intensive because you are restoring the | | | | professional surface that highlights the piece's beauty. |
| furniture to its original condition and making it usable | | | | |