Furniture, Wood and Cabinetry Finishing - Cleaning antique furniture
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01-31-00, 08:44 PM
I just aquired a house full of antique furniture. I was told that if I deep cleaned it that it would ruin its value? Also the top of the dinning room table the varnish is pitted, if I refinish it will it ruin the value and look funny with the rest of the matching pieces? Any ideas on how to clean the tapestry needle point chairs?
George
02-01-00, 09:56 AM
Arlene:
Whether cleaning the furniture will destroy (or reduce) its value is something only a qualified appraiser can tell you. My suggestion would be to contact such a person (possibly through a reputable antique dealer in your area) and have an appraisal done. Such an expert would be able, after examination, to suggest exactly how the pieces could be treated and cared for.
A thorough cleaning could change the value of the pieces significantly, simply because it will change their appearance. Get them appraised before doing anything else.
FYI - a proper cleaning does not affect the finish of a piece in any way, but it will remove the old wax, etc., as well as all the accumulated grime.
As far as the dining room table is concerned, it may be possible to repair, rather than refinish this piece. After appraisal, contact a restoration specialist for an opinion. They should also be able to deal with the tapestry chairs.
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George T.
Whether cleaning the furniture will destroy (or reduce) its value is something only a qualified appraiser can tell you. My suggestion would be to contact such a person (possibly through a reputable antique dealer in your area) and have an appraisal done. Such an expert would be able, after examination, to suggest exactly how the pieces could be treated and cared for.
A thorough cleaning could change the value of the pieces significantly, simply because it will change their appearance. Get them appraised before doing anything else.
FYI - a proper cleaning does not affect the finish of a piece in any way, but it will remove the old wax, etc., as well as all the accumulated grime.
As far as the dining room table is concerned, it may be possible to repair, rather than refinish this piece. After appraisal, contact a restoration specialist for an opinion. They should also be able to deal with the tapestry chairs.
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George T.