Antique Table Restoration
Proper antique table restoration is all about restoring it, as much as is possible, to its original condition. This typically involves giving the table a facelift. While some antique tables require only a simple cosmetic restoration, most will require a lot more work to truly restore it to its former glory.
Below are some things you may want to keep in mind when you are considering restoring an antique table.
Time involved in restoring an antique table
This is always the biggest thing, isn’t it? Time. The restoration may look simple enough, but what if that simple ‘side project’ turns into something complex and involved? Do you really have the time for it? You should seriously consider whether or not you have the time to truly devote to this project as restoration work is time consuming. And the more complex the task, the more time it takes. If you’re not confident that you have enough time in your schedule to devote to this project, perhaps you should hire a professional furniture restorer to do the job for you.
Before you start
Before deciding to hire a professional for the antique table restoration, be sure to do a little research and find out the value of the furniture. Inspect the table for marks or labels to try and determine its origin, and take photographs of any distinguishing markings or tags. If you believe the table may be worth a lot of money, consult with a professional furniture appraiser before starting any restorations. Remember – removing the antique table’s finish could actually lessen its value. Until and unless you know the full value of the piece, hold off stripping or sanding away the finish. And for pieces of value, always hire an experienced restoration specialist.
Cost of restoration
So now that you’ve decided to get the antique restored, how much are you willing to pay for it? While furniture restoration can be a fun do-it-yourself project, you shouldn’t attempt it with a valuable antique unless you are 100% sure about what needs to be done. Otherwise you risk damaging the antique table and diminishing its value.
If your antique table isn’t all that valuable, then doing the restoration on your own can be a great way to avoid the expense of getting the job done by a professional.
However, if the antique table is valuable, hiring an experienced antique furniture restorer is a must. Talk with a furniture restorer and get an estimate. The piece may only require a few simple fixes or may need a complete overhaul. Either way, talking with an experienced furniture restorer will clear things up and give you a good idea of the expense involved in having your table restored.
Tools of the trade
If you decide to do the furniture restoration yourself, here are some of the things you may need:
- Old Rag
- Paintbrush
- Terrycloth Rag
- Containers
- Denatured Alcohol
- Oil Based Topcoat finish
- Mineral Spirit/Paint Thinner
- 220 Grit Sandpaper
- Wood Stain
- Lint Free Cloth
- Clean Cotton Cloths
- Tack Cloth
- Fine Grade Steel Wool
- Furniture Touch-Up Pen
Safety first
Safety should be your number one concern when getting started with a furniture restoration project. You certainly don’t want to get sick from chemical fumes or get a splinter of wood lodged in your eye. Wear heavy-duty, long-sleeved clothes to protect the skin from chemicals as well as a mask, particularly when stripping or varnishing the antique table.
Portland Oregon Furniture Restoration Professionals
If you’re looking for professional antique furniture restoration in the Portland area, look no further than Lim’s Upholstery. At Lim’s Upholstery, they have been providing quality reupholstery and furniture restoration services since 1985. Located in Beaverton, people come from miles around for all kinds of restoration and repair projects. You can call them at (503) 643-8028 for a Quick Quote.