How to Restore Antique Furniture

Antique furniture is not always beautiful and pristine--in fact, some of the most valuable pieces show wear and fading. Whether or not to restore antique furniture can be a complex question, but it also depends on the definition of "restore." Restoration usually entails cleaning the piece thoroughly and replacing missing items such as drawer pulls. Refinishing, on the other hand, involves removing the original surface and adding new paint or stain. The former will likely maintain the value of your antique, while the latter could diminish the market value. Collectors like to see old wood and cracked paint, as it shows the true age and authenticity of the piece. Ultimately, it is a personal decision. Read on to learn how to restore antique furniture.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft bristle paintbrush
• Antique furniture identification book
• Camera
• Soft cloths

1. Examine your piece for labels, a craftsman's signature or maker's mark. This can help you identify your furniture. If it is very valuable, this information may be a factor in how much (or little) restoration you want to do. "The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture" by Atterbury and Forrest can help you with identification and is available at Amazon. See the Resources section below for a link.

2. Take pictures of your furniture before you restore it. Include close-ups of any labels, markings or carvings. If you need to send it to a professional repair person, this can help him know the original condition of the piece.

3. Use a soft cloth or soft bristle paintbrush to clean your antique. Many times a good cleaning is all it takes to restore beautiful antique furniture.

4. Perform minor repairs. This can be as simple as gluing table legs back in the joint or replacing missing hardware such as knobs, handles and casters. Finding the right hardware can be something of a challenge, as it should match other parts of the piece or at least be of the same era. Websites like House of Antique Hardware are a good source for odds and ends. See the Resources section below for a link.

5. Bring your furniture to a professional for major repairs or restoration if needed. Someone who specializes in antique furniture will know what techniques to use to perform the job properly without harming your antique.

Tips & Warnings

• When restoring antique furniture, try not to alter the original framework of the piece. Some very old items will be fragile, so the less amount of work done to them, the better.
• Stripping off an original finish from antique furniture may decrease its monetary value. If you are interested in the aesthetics of the piece and want to refinish it to your own taste, then by all means do so. If you want to sell the piece or pass it down through your family while retaining its appraised value, consider leaving it in its current condition. If in doubt, seek advice from an antiques appraiser.
• Do not use oil-based stains or cleaners on antique wood. Eventual oxidation may turn the wood's color to black.

Resources

• The Bulfinch Anatomy of Antique Furniture
• House of Antique Hardware Website for Knobs, Pulls and Other Items

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