Top Tips when Restoring Antique Furniture

Interior Design & Decor

Published on: January 11th, 2021
3 minutes read

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(Guest Writer: Jessica Williams)

Antique furniture boasts a personality that can hardly be matched by modern and generic designs. Not only were these items built to last, but they can often have a massive impact upon your entire home. Unfortunately, this furniture is bound to suffer from wear and tear over time.

While it is always possible to sell such valuable items with the help of e-commerce platforms such as Singaporean Shopify, you might instead choose to restore it to its former glory.

This is no simple task and a handful of steps are involved, so it is a good idea to take a quick look at what the experts have to say as well as if there are any mistakes you should try to avoid at all costs.

Restoration Tips and Tricks

The majority of antique furniture is comprised of wood and there are many times when this wood may have been painted. In this case, it is better to strip the surface paint in order to bring out the natural allure of its grain. One interesting tip is to use a diluted solution of acetic acid (common white vinegar) and water. The acid will help to loosen the layers of the paint so that they can be subsequently removed by hand. However, always be gentle so that the wood is not inadvertently scratched.

If your furniture requires new upholstering, try to obtain a fabric that closely matches the existing colours and designs. As opposed to purchasing a new bolt, head off to the local antique store in order to determine if you can find any similar examples. It could also be a good idea to check online forums, as many furniture-related portals will often have upholstery for sale at highly discounted prices.

Costly Mistakes to Keep in Mind

Antique furniture is quite delicate, so always take your time when performing any type of restoration. It is likewise prudent to avoid mechanical devices such as palm sanders. These can easily cause a great deal of unintentional damage; particularly if you are unfamiliar with how they operate.

When removing old layers of paint, perform this task within a well-ventilated environment. Many older brands of paint contain significant amounts of lead. If you happen to have small children, remove any paint away from the home. It is also prudent to wear gloves and a respirator for extra levels of protection.

Finally, be sure to perform a bit of research online if you are looking to restore period furniture to its former glory. You might even be able to come across an image of when it was in pristine condition. This can be subsequently used as a rough template during the process.

Above all, be very patient. Some restorations can take weeks or even months to complete. The fact of the matter is that it will be well worth the effort, as your home will be provided with an entirely unique appeal that might not otherwise be possible with "cookie-cutter" modern furniture alternatives.

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