More about Furniture Refinishing
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Before beginning a refinishing project it is a good plan to call an appraisal specialist. These experts are knowledgeable about the time period in which your antique was made, the methods used in construction, type of wood, and the value for resale or as part of an existing collection. If they don’t know everything about your particular piece they can usually lead you to those experts in their respective areas of expertise in the field of antiques that do know.
Most period furniture is valued by its original state. In other words, the less it has been altered or damaged the more valuable it is.
Pearsall says, “Antiques are lived with, used and cherished, and they assume a personality of their own. They are loved despite---or perhaps because of---their imperfections, for truly antique furniture is never flawless. That is part of its appeal.”
(Pearsall, R., 1997.).
The next step in the process is to decide if you want to restore or redo your antique keeping in mind the value aspect. Next, secure someone to refinish your treasure. It is a good idea to obtain references or referrals to insure that the job will be done to your satisfaction.
Signs that your furniture needs Refinishing.
Sometimes furniture not only looks as though it needs some loving care, it can feel sticky as well.
Sun can damage an turn old varnish a kind of sad green.
Water is another hard thing on furniture, causing water marks. Too many scratches can also mar the look of your furniture.
Coats and coats of paint are among the most common ways that many pieces have sometimes been refinished in the past. You may want to restore them to their original look as much as possible.
Recommended Reading:
'A Connoisseur’s Guide To Antique Furniture'
by Ronald Pearsall, 1997: Smithmark Publishers: New York.
