Saturday, January 26, 2013

Bizpals Restoring antiques

Restoring Antiques

Restoring Antiques

That Victorian dining room table you've had in the family for generations is looking a little worse for wear, and no matter how much you polish it those stains from last year's holiday party just won’t go away. You've been thinking about getting the table restored, but you've seen episodes of the Antiques Roadshow where people were told they had harmed the finish and value of their antique with a bad oiling or sanding job, and you're nervous. Should you even try to get your beloved antiques restored?

Restoration

Restoring antique furniture can be as simple as a thorough cleaning or it may involve completely refinishing the piece including replacement of any missing parts. Refinishing involves the removal of the old surface and adding new stain or paint. It is possible that the process may reduce the value of your antiques, especially if the job is not skillfully performed. If in doubt, consult a professional antiques restorer who can advise you on whether you can get your item restored without affecting its value.

Choosing an Antiques Restorer

Selecting an antiques restorer is an important decision, and you should look for a professional with experience in the field. Repairing clocks, for instance, is a specialized field. If you are restoring a grandfather clock you should look for a restorer with expertise in that area. A good place to start your search for an antiques restorer is by asking your local antiques dealer or auction house. Once you have a few leads, ask for references and view some of the restorer's work. It's also a good idea to ask for an estimate of how long the restoration process may take. Depending on the condition of your piece, skilled restoration can be a lengthy process. If you're planning to have your grandmother's wedding dress restored so that your daughter can wear it, don't assume it can be done in a week.

Treasures

If the antique you want to restore is not just a beloved heirloom but a museum-quality piece, you should consider consulting a conservation professional for advice on how to proceed. You will find very useful resources on the website of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works http://www.conservation-us.org/. The AIC is the national membership organization of conservation professionals and the website contains a guide to peer-reviewed member conservators that you can use to find an expert. You can also find very useful information on this site about how to care for, protect, handle, store and display paintings, ceramics, glass, furniture, textiles and many other kinds of antiques. When it comes to antiques and collectibles, prevention is better than cure!
If you've decided that you want to restore your antiques, let BizPals help you pick the right restorer for your needs.

No comments:

Post a Comment