How to Care for Antique Furniture
Tips and Tricks for Taking Care of Vintage and Antique Furnishings
Jul 27, 2009
The methods for taking care of antique furniture have changed over the years. As items age, special consideration must be taken, and they cannot be treated in the same way as modern home furnishings.
The Effect of Heat and Sunlight on Antiques
Where antique items are placed in the home is very important because too much light is damaging to antique furniture. Sunlight can degrade finishes, veneers, wood and fabrics. Antique furniture should be placed out of direct sunlight, and curtains or shades should be used to diffuse or block sunlight on particularly sunny days. Also, where possible, turn pieces of furniture around occasionally to even the fading process.
Avoid placing antique furniture in front of heating and air conditioning vents, radiators, fireplaces or stoves. The heat can cause drying out and shrinking that can loosen glue joints, veneers, inlays and marquetry. Any of these things can significantly decrease the value of the piece.
Moisture and Humidity in the Air
Antique furniture is greatly affected by the amount of moisture in the air. Changes in relative humidity can cause wood to expand and contract, damaging wood and veneers. This expansion and contraction can cause glue joints to loosen, and drawers and doors to become stuck in their openings.
Long periods of high humidity can lead to the growth of mold, rot and even possibly insect infestation. If the climate is humid, the use of a dehumidifier is recommended. Similarly, if it’s too dry, consider using a humidifier. Either way, maintaining relative humidity will minimize any adverse effects that can be caused by too much or too little moisture in the air.
Cleaning and Polishing Antique Furniture
Many people believe that wood needs to be treated with oil to keep it from drying out, but this is really a myth. Furniture oils will temporarily enhance the appearance, but will eventually contribute to the degradation of the finish over time as oils leave a residue that can attract dirt and dust build up.
Do not use a spray polish on antique furniture. These polishes often contain silicone, which can penetrate the finish and will cause problems with future restoration or repairs. They also leave a film behind, and they can cause scratches.
The best way to maintain a finish is with a coat of high-quality antique furniture wax. Furniture wax is long lasting and made specifically for antique woods. A thin coat of wax applied (be sure to follow the manufacturers instructions) once or twice a year will help protect the finish. Let it dry overnight and then buff with a soft cloth. Ask a local antique dealer for their recommended brand.
In between waxing, dust with a soft, lint free cloth on a regular basis. Dampen the cloth slightly (but only slightly), as a dry rag can cause scratches when dusting.
Note: Wax may not be suitable for surfaces with a deteriorating finish. When in doubt, consult a furniture restoration specialist in your area for advice.
Handling and Moving Antique Furniture
When moving antique furniture it's best to first remove shelves, doors and drawers. It will lighten the load and reduce the risk of damage. Protect glass doors with moving blankets or other padding. Here are a few other tips:
- Large pieces of furniture should always be lifted and never dragged across the floor. Dragging can cause the loosening of joints.
- Chairs should always be carried by the seat rails as opposed to the back splat, top rail or arms.
- Tables should be carried by the apron or legs. Never carry tables by the top as it can pull loose from the base.
- Marble tops should be removed and transported vertically. A marble top transported laying flat can crack easily. The piece will be destroyed and the mover can get hurt.
- Mirrors and glass should also be transported and stored vertically for safety’s sake.
Refinishing Antique Pieces
There are a couple of schools of thought when it comes to refinishing antique pieces. Stripping and refinishing removes the original coating and damages the patina as well. Once removed, it can never be recovered. Patterns of wear indicating the history of use are also lost during the refinishing process. Some people think that this should be avoided at all costs.
On the other hand once a piece is damaged or scratched some of the value is lost, therefore refinishing the piece will help to restore it and bring back some of it’s former glory.
When considering antique furniture restoration, the best thing to do is consult an antique or restoration expert and get their professional opinion.
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