One of the many questions people ask about antiques is how to take care of valuable antique furniture. Here are a few tips on how to preserve these prized possessions. Avoid exposing furniture to extremes of temperatures which can accelerate cracking, dulling the finish and loosening the joints and veneer. Curtains or shades should be used to diffuse or block sunlight whenever possible. Quite often clear finishes will turn yellow or opaque from the exposure to sunlight.
Be very careful not to place beverage glasses, flower vases or any other table-top items on surfaces without a coaster or mat for protection. Make it a point to periodically wipe or dust with a soft cloth. Occasionally use a barely dampened cloth with a solvent-based cleaning wax to wipe the surface in order to pick up more dust.
Be sure to immediately wipe with a dry cloth or soft paper towel. Never use spray waxes and polishes on surfaces as they will leave a higher gloss and some silicone which may create other problems. You may wish to occasionally wax with paste wax. Rub on a very light coat with a soft cloth and then immediately buff it with another soft cloth. Be sure all wax is completely buffed until hard to avoid smears and streaks.
Antique furniture may also be affected by the amount of moisture in the air. Changes in relative humidity can cause wood to expand and contract leading to loosening of glue joints and drawers and doors getting stuck. The use of a humidifier or dehumidifier will help to maintain the relative humidity and minimize the adverse effects that moisture can have on valuable antique furniture. Experts say antique furniture should not be cared for or repaired in the same manner as modern home furnishings. The use of polishes, adhesives, fasteners and finishes can dramatically affect the current and future value of such pieces. The basic rules of Antique Furniture Care are - avoid placing antique furniture in front of a window or direct sunlight or near air conditioning and heating vents,
Do not place your antique furniture near fireplaces and stoves, Dust regularly using a lint free cloth. Of course, all of us agree that not all antique furniture has monetary, artistic or even historical value. Many antiques increase in value when they are properly restored after complete refinishing and repair. If you happen to possess a piece with significant historical value, it is advisable to consult a licensed appraiser for values and conservator before making any repairs or restoration.
Wood, leather, fabric and upholstery material such as horsehair can attract insects and other small pests. Cockroaches can damage the existing finish by feeding on the build up of body oils, grease and dirt that has accumulated on the surface. Small rodents are attracted to the upholstery materials found in antiques for use when nesting. All insects and pests activities should be addressed by consulting pest control professionals.
The appearance and exotic finish of antique furniture can be enhanced without damaging its originality. Consulting a restoration expert will help preserve the antiquity value. Maintaining the time-honored original finish should be the primary consideration.
When moving your antique furniture from one place to another, you should always check for loose or damaged joints. Chairs should always be carried by the seat rails as opposed to the back splat, top rail or arms. Tables should be carried by the legs instead of the top which could pull it loose from the base. Large pieces should always be lifted and never dragged across the floor. When transporting your antique furniture it is advisable to first remove shelves, doors and drawers. Protect glass doors with moving blankets or other adequate padding.
I hope this is helpful to you and that you will enjoy your antique furniture for many years!
Be very careful not to place beverage glasses, flower vases or any other table-top items on surfaces without a coaster or mat for protection. Make it a point to periodically wipe or dust with a soft cloth. Occasionally use a barely dampened cloth with a solvent-based cleaning wax to wipe the surface in order to pick up more dust.
Be sure to immediately wipe with a dry cloth or soft paper towel. Never use spray waxes and polishes on surfaces as they will leave a higher gloss and some silicone which may create other problems. You may wish to occasionally wax with paste wax. Rub on a very light coat with a soft cloth and then immediately buff it with another soft cloth. Be sure all wax is completely buffed until hard to avoid smears and streaks.
Antique furniture may also be affected by the amount of moisture in the air. Changes in relative humidity can cause wood to expand and contract leading to loosening of glue joints and drawers and doors getting stuck. The use of a humidifier or dehumidifier will help to maintain the relative humidity and minimize the adverse effects that moisture can have on valuable antique furniture. Experts say antique furniture should not be cared for or repaired in the same manner as modern home furnishings. The use of polishes, adhesives, fasteners and finishes can dramatically affect the current and future value of such pieces. The basic rules of Antique Furniture Care are - avoid placing antique furniture in front of a window or direct sunlight or near air conditioning and heating vents,
Do not place your antique furniture near fireplaces and stoves, Dust regularly using a lint free cloth. Of course, all of us agree that not all antique furniture has monetary, artistic or even historical value. Many antiques increase in value when they are properly restored after complete refinishing and repair. If you happen to possess a piece with significant historical value, it is advisable to consult a licensed appraiser for values and conservator before making any repairs or restoration.
Wood, leather, fabric and upholstery material such as horsehair can attract insects and other small pests. Cockroaches can damage the existing finish by feeding on the build up of body oils, grease and dirt that has accumulated on the surface. Small rodents are attracted to the upholstery materials found in antiques for use when nesting. All insects and pests activities should be addressed by consulting pest control professionals.
The appearance and exotic finish of antique furniture can be enhanced without damaging its originality. Consulting a restoration expert will help preserve the antiquity value. Maintaining the time-honored original finish should be the primary consideration.
When moving your antique furniture from one place to another, you should always check for loose or damaged joints. Chairs should always be carried by the seat rails as opposed to the back splat, top rail or arms. Tables should be carried by the legs instead of the top which could pull it loose from the base. Large pieces should always be lifted and never dragged across the floor. When transporting your antique furniture it is advisable to first remove shelves, doors and drawers. Protect glass doors with moving blankets or other adequate padding.
I hope this is helpful to you and that you will enjoy your antique furniture for many years!
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