How to Restore Luster to Antique Furniture

Cleaning and waxing will bring a dull finish to life.

Grime, built-up furniture polish and oxidizing old varnish can eventually combine to dull the finish of furniture. If the piece is a treasured or valuable antique, you can't use just any method to restore shine. Harsh chemicals or overly vigorous cleaning could remove the patina antique lovers prize and significantly reduce the value of the piece. However, a gentle approach will reward you with a luster that will stand the test of time. Often, waxing the piece will be enough to restore it; but if the furniture is very dirty, it will first require cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Water
• Facial cleanser
• Soft cloths
• Paste wax

Instructions

Cleaning

1. Fold paper towels to form a thick pad and moisten with warm water until the paper is barely damp. Squeeze about a teaspoon of facial cleanser onto the damp paper towels.

2. Wipe the cleanser onto a small area of the wood and rub gently to remove dirt. Clean one small section of the furniture at a time, replacing the paper towels with clean ones as needed.

3. Wipe down the cleaned wood with a soft, dry, cloth.

Waxing

1. Apply a thin coating of paste wax with a soft cotton cloth. Use a wax made for wood furniture. These usually contain beeswax or carnauba. Cover the entire surface with a thin layer of wax.

2. Allow the wax to dry for one hour.

3. Buff with a soft cloth or a lamb’s wool pad. Use a firm, circular motion and light pressure. The more you buff, the shinier the surface will become. Continue buffing until you achieve the shine you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• If your furniture has a lot of ornate carving, use a liquid furniture wax in the carved areas. Apply with a clean paintbrush and buff with a soft shoe brush.

References

• Fiske and Freeman: Polishing Antique Furniture
• UGA College of Family and Consumer Science Extension Service: How to Care For Your Furnishings