Antique Wood Furniture Restoration: French Polishing, Antique Treasures And Heirlooms

A worn-out antique cabinet, dresser or end table that has been shoved into a corner and covered with knickknacks is a staple in every home. The only reason families hold onto these antique wood furniture pieces is because they have been passed down through the generations and have sentimental value. But because of their age, antique wood furniture can sometimes become only an eyesore instead of being the prized heirloom they were meant to be. However, through furniture restoration, families can revitalize their antique treasures and allow them to become centerpieces of the home.

There has been much debate over whether or not refinishing antique wood will deprive it of its value. To be on the safe side, antique wood owners should follow this important rule: if you do not know the worth of your furniture, make sure you find out before you start any work. If the piece does have considerable monetary value, leave any refinishing up to professionals. If not, refurbishing the antique wood yourself will only make it look better. Owners do have the alternative to simply clean and wax the old finish and patch any damaged areas. Unfortunately, if the finish contains cracks, feels sticky to the touch, or has turned darker over the years, chances are the wood finish needs to be replaced.

Antique wood furniture restoration can be intimidating but anyone can do it if they have the resolve and the patience. The first step to new-looking furniture is removing the old finish. Eliminating the former finish is a messy job and therefore should be done outside on top of a plastic sheet or matting to ensure the capture of any scraps.

The easiest way to clean aged wood is by using the right chemical stripper or what is often called paint stripper. Instead of using a belt sander which can damage the antique wood or sanding by hand, these chemical coatings are convenient in that they do a lot of the work for you. However, chemical strippers can be toxic, so rubber gloves and eye goggles must be used throughout this process. Good ventilation is also important. There are some strippers made specifically for restoring antique wood furniture so make sure to check the label to find the appropriate brand.

Once the stripper is applied, leave it on for the recommended amount of time. Then scrape off the stripper and finish with a putty knife; follow up with smaller scrapers and steel wool for the more difficult areas. Allow the antique wood to fully dry.

In order to prepare the antique wood for the final step, it must be sanded completely smooth so the finish will give it an even look. The purpose of the finish is to protect wood from dirt, water and normal wear-and-tear. Therefore, the right finish could add years to your antique wood furniture. One popular form of finishing is French polishing. This is a technique in which shellac—a resin known for its adhesive properties—is applied is several different layers, giving the antique wood a far more shiny appearance than most finishes.

Restoring antique wood furniture allows owners to display their heirlooms proudly. Instead of being hidden away, these antique treasures can be enjoyed for generations to come.


Sources:
Flexner, Bob. "Finishing for First-Timers." Popular Woodworking. 23 July 2007. http://www.popularwoodworking.com/features/finish5 .html.

"Refinishing Furniture." Lowes.com. 2007. 23 July 2007. http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=howTo&p= HomeDecor/RefnWdFurn.

Simmons, Mac. "French Polishing." Amateur Woodworker. 2003. 23 July 2007. http://www.am-wood.com/finishes/french.html.

Snyder, Paul. "Refresh, Repair, or Restore/Refinish?" Refinishwizard.com. 2001-2005. 23 July 2007. http://www.refinishwizard.com/options.htm.