| Antique furniture can carry significant value for its | | | | Commercial products are usually specific in their use, |
| owner. The television show 'Antiques Roadshow' has | | | | and will work well if you follow the recommendations |
| taught us that seemingly worthless pieces of | | | | and instructions on the label. You should know the |
| furniture can actually hold much more than just | | | | material of the antique item you are restoring, and |
| memories. It has also taught us that a bad | | | | choose your product accordingly. Using the wrong |
| refurnishing or restoration job can diminish its value. | | | | type of product may actually do more damage than |
| With the exception of century-old pieces, for which | | | | good. When in doubt, consult a professional. |
| you should seek the advice of a professional, | | | | A bit at a time |
| restoring antique furniture can be not only a relaxing | | | | Because restoring antique furniture requires delicate |
| hobby, but also a well-paying one. Before undertaking | | | | and precise work, it is best to focus on a small area |
| a furniture restoration project, do some research on | | | | at a time. Once you have thoroughly cleaned a small |
| the item in mind. Here are some tips on restoring | | | | surface, expand the area until you have covered the |
| antique furniture. | | | | entire piece. Be sure to double check your work in |
| Remove the hardware | | | | order to avoid inconsistencies. |
| Restoring antique furniture is easier to accomplish if | | | | A note about temperature |
| you start by removing the hardware. It should be | | | | The temperature in your home can greatly affect |
| done carefully so as not to damage the piece. | | | | the life span of your furniture. Excessively dry |
| Generally, once the hardware is removed from old | | | | conditions can cause furniture to dry out and shrink, |
| furniture, it leaves a little ridge on the finish. This | | | | while excessively damp conditions can cause mold |
| often-crusty ridge is composed of a buildup of wax, | | | | growth and even rot. Keep your pieces in a stable |
| polish and dust, and can be quite stubborn to | | | | environment where the temperature and relative |
| eliminate; caution is advised. | | | | humidity do not fluctuate dramatically. High intensity |
| Clean and polish | | | | light (natural or artificial) can also damage furniture, |
| Start with a thorough inspection of the piece to be | | | | sometimes causing it to discolor; use blinds or curtains |
| restored. Check inside corners, carvings, moldings and | | | | to reduce light levels. |
| the hardware areas. Once you have decided that it is | | | | General care tips for antique furniture |
| in fairly good shape, and have assessed where the | | | | - Avoid placing in front of a window or direct sunlight. |
| worst build-up is located, you can begin. When it | | | | - Avoid placing close to air conditioning and heating |
| comes to cleaning and polishing antique furniture, | | | | vents. |
| have several tools handy, and use common sense to | | | | - Avoid placing near fireplaces and stoves. |
| determine which item is best for the task at hand. | | | | - Blot up spills immediately. |
| Commercial furniture cleaner | | | | - Dust regularly using a lint free cloth. |
| - 0000 steel wool (very fine grade) | | | | Handle with care |
| - A small toothbrush, for those hard-to-reach places | | | | Restoring antique furniture is a meticulous and highly |
| - A sharpened pencil-size dowel, for corners and | | | | specialized undertaking. If the piece appears to be |
| crevasses | | | | quite old and you are uncertain of its value, be savvy |
| - A soft cloth | | | | and contact a qualified furniture restorer. Treat |
| - Paper towels | | | | antique furniture with care as it is rare! |
| - Furniture polish | | | | |