Antique furniture care

The method and technique of care for valuable antiques, historical has changed manifolds over the decades. Earlier care for such items was done traditionally. This used old and ancient methods and ways.

Today, it's no longer just functional. Care for antique furniture shouldn't be done in same way as for modern furniture. Special attention and supervision is needed
For such articles.

The use of various adhesives, polishes, finishes and fasteners can severely affect and change the existing and upcoming cost and value of such pieces.

The most important factors which rigorously and brutality affects the antiques and especially, furniture is:

1) Environment: UV or ultra violet light destruct antique furniture to a great extent. Keep away from direct sunlight. Use shades or curtains to avoid straight exposure. As this can make furniture yellowish or opaque.


Evade from heat, radiators, air conditions, stoves or fireplaces. Heat causes shrinking leading to loosened veneers, joints, marquetry and inlays. Extensive introduction to humidity can guide to mold growth, insect infection and rot. For such case the use of a humidifier is suggested to absolute humidity.


2) Insects and Pests: Materials like wood, fabrics, leather can be a welcoming place for insects and vermin. Beetles or termites have their lunch and dinner fixed on to the woods.
Cockroaches harm the present finish, as they feed on grease and dirt collected on plane. Small rodents are fascinated to the upholstery resources, when nesting. Rodents' action should be addressed as early as possible or it may lead to irreversible spoilage.

3) Handling and Moving: often one can see the damage done to such furniture in transit. So, always take proper care and attention at such time. Check for damaged or loose joinery. Try to carry chairs mostly by seat and tables by apron or legs. Lift and keep large pieces rather than dragging them all through the way.
Detach doors, drawers and shelves beforehand. Save from harm with enough padding. Marble tops, mirrors, and glasses should always be transported and kept or stored vertically.

4) Cleaning and Polishing: The myth to feed antique furniture with oil, so as to keep from drying is out. Lack of moisture rather than oil dries the wood. Oiling momentarily improve the finish but add to depreciation, with the oil residue which lay path for dust and dirt. A high and good quality varnish coat is a better alternative. And so is furniture wax paste, for steady and long lasting protection from dust, dirt and moisture.
A thin coat of wax but only on an expert's recommendation. Use soft lint free cloth for dusting; dry rag may cause scratches. But is an absolute no deteriorating surfaces. Avoid Silicone based polish as much as possible. It besides penetrating finish leaves difficult to get rid of film. Shun polishing copper and brass hardware to do away with tarnished look.
The finish found on historic furniture is as important as the furniture piece itself. Stripping and refinishing removes the original finish coating and damages the patina as well. Once removed, it can never be recovered. Patterns of wear indicating the history of use are also lost during refinishing.

The appearance of antique furniture can be enhanced without damaging the existing finish. Consulting a restoration expert prior to treating your antiques will help preserve what only time can produce. Maintaining the original aged finish should be the primary consideration.
5) Refinishing: The finish which is found on antique furniture is equally important as the piece itself. Avoid refinishing and stripping as it removes the glaze and outer layer besides in addition to damaging the patina.
Consult the restoration guru preceding the treatment of antiques. Maintaining and preserving the original old and aged finish should be the whole criteria and key consideration.
General directions for antique furniture care:
 Keep away from direct sunlight.
 Keep away from heating vents and air conditioning.
 Avoid keeping near stoves and fireplace.
 Confiscate stains immediately
 Dust frequently, with soft lint free cloth.
It's commendable to see that not all antique furniture has monetary, historical or artistic significance and value. There's appreciation in their, value only after appropriate and suitable restoration or inclusive refinishing and repair.
If you think or feel you might own and possess a classical piece or article with considerable historical value. Then its finest, to seek advice from certified appraiser for standards and any conservator for any conservation or restoration.