Some Top Tips For Repairing and Caring for Antique Pieces
Repairing an old piece of furniture, a rug, a plate, or some other cherished antique, can be a highly satisfying activity.
There is not only the thought that you might well have saved yourself the often considerable expense of having it done professionally, there is also the pleasure of having done the job yourself and of having seen the piece be restored to its former glory in your hands.
It does not necessarily require special skill or complex instruction to carry out the repair that will restore the former beauty of the piece.
This article will discuss some of the top tips for collectors of antiques that may have in their collection some damaged pieces that they would like to see recover their original beauty, and for part-time hobbyists who want to learn how to perform antique restoration.
1) Antique restoration should never be rushed.
Patience will avoid unnecessary errors and will ultimately produce the most satisfactory result.
2) Apart from simple tasks, antique restoration cannot simply be finished in a single session.
3) Careful choice of materials is an essential pre-requisite for proper restoration.
Although it is neither practical nor desirable to avoid modern materials altogether, it is often recommended to use older methods and materials where possible, as this will give your repairs a more authentic look.
Materials that will not be seen, such as glues, do not create much of a problem, providing that they work well with the object, but whenever you replace missing parts, it is best to match the part with the original.
4) Finishes applied to the pieces should also match to the original.
For example, polyurethane varnish is a modern material and has no place in restoration work.
5) The restorer who uses traditional tools and techniques, with an understanding of the methods of the old craftsman, can rest assured that his or her work will gradually blend with the original piece.
6) Antique restoration need not be a costly exercise.
In fact, many people will find that they have the required tools in their kitchen or toolbox.
Occasionally, costly tools are recommended, but they are usually optional and can usually be hired or borrowed rather than bought.
To be a good restorer you need some knowledge of the basic skills of the original craftsman.
However, if you follow the tips as detailed above, you are sure to avoid errors and will ultimately restore your piece back to its former glory.
Sometimes, applying some simple techniques, such as stain removal and filling, can increase the value of a piece as well as making it far more pleasing to the eye.
You also do not need to set up a special workspace for antique restoration, although it is recommended as having a clean workspace will do wonders for being organised and having the tools ready at hand.
There is not only the thought that you might well have saved yourself the often considerable expense of having it done professionally, there is also the pleasure of having done the job yourself and of having seen the piece be restored to its former glory in your hands.
It does not necessarily require special skill or complex instruction to carry out the repair that will restore the former beauty of the piece.
This article will discuss some of the top tips for collectors of antiques that may have in their collection some damaged pieces that they would like to see recover their original beauty, and for part-time hobbyists who want to learn how to perform antique restoration.
1) Antique restoration should never be rushed.
Patience will avoid unnecessary errors and will ultimately produce the most satisfactory result.
2) Apart from simple tasks, antique restoration cannot simply be finished in a single session.
3) Careful choice of materials is an essential pre-requisite for proper restoration.
Although it is neither practical nor desirable to avoid modern materials altogether, it is often recommended to use older methods and materials where possible, as this will give your repairs a more authentic look.
Materials that will not be seen, such as glues, do not create much of a problem, providing that they work well with the object, but whenever you replace missing parts, it is best to match the part with the original.
4) Finishes applied to the pieces should also match to the original.
For example, polyurethane varnish is a modern material and has no place in restoration work.
5) The restorer who uses traditional tools and techniques, with an understanding of the methods of the old craftsman, can rest assured that his or her work will gradually blend with the original piece.
6) Antique restoration need not be a costly exercise.
In fact, many people will find that they have the required tools in their kitchen or toolbox.
Occasionally, costly tools are recommended, but they are usually optional and can usually be hired or borrowed rather than bought.
To be a good restorer you need some knowledge of the basic skills of the original craftsman.
However, if you follow the tips as detailed above, you are sure to avoid errors and will ultimately restore your piece back to its former glory.
Sometimes, applying some simple techniques, such as stain removal and filling, can increase the value of a piece as well as making it far more pleasing to the eye.
You also do not need to set up a special workspace for antique restoration, although it is recommended as having a clean workspace will do wonders for being organised and having the tools ready at hand.
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