Quick Steps to Restore Your Antique Furniture

Antique furniture can make for a great addition to your home. The timeless beauty, intricate detailing and exquisite craftsmanship of antique furniture is impossible to replicate in mass-produced contemporary furniture. If you want to recreate the old world charm back in your living space, then antique furniture is the way to go. However, buying antique furniture will mean undertaking a lot of restoration work. Before buying antique furniture, you should first educate yourself about the basic cleaning and repair work associated with it. Compiled in this article are basic steps that will help you restore your furniture back to its former glory.

Step1 – First, brush away layers of dust using a soft bristled brush. Make sure to clean the dust that gets accumulated in crevices of the furniture. Once the furniture is clean, you will be able to get a clear look to determine the amount of work that requires to be done.

Step2 – Fill a bucket with lukewarm water and add a mild cleaning detergent. Use a rag or a clean towel to give your furniture a thorough wipe. Avoid using abrasive cleaning solutions that can scrape the paint off the furniture. Mild dishwashing solution or cleaning agent specifically made for wooden furniture would be the best option. Apply the solution in small sections and promptly wipe it away with a clean dry cloth.

Step3 – Rinse the soapy residue off the furniture with a quick wash, then dry the furniture with a clean soft cloth. Allow the furniture to dry naturally for few hours before proceeding with the next step of restoration.

Step4 – Examine the structural soundness of the furniture and accordingly conduct minor repairs. From gluing loose legs, replacing hardware to fixing dents, most of the minor repairs can be done at home. While, replacing knobs, handles or casters make sure the pieces you select match the exact styling and designs of your furniture. Pull any loose joints together and secure them with screws; make sure the framework of the furniture is sturdy like before. For any major repair work, it is best to seek assistance of a professional.

Step5 – Using a small brush or cotton wad, apply thin layer of wax all over the furniture. Use a wax that contains beeswax or carnauba. Allow the wax to dry for couple of hours before buffing them with soft cloth or wool pad.

Step6 - Apply light pressure while buffing the floor. Buffing works like furniture polish and brings out the natural shine of the furniture. Keep rubbing the surface in circular motion, until you get the desired gloss.

Step7 – While restoring antique furniture, remember that certain parts tend to be very delicate and fragile. The less you work on antique furniture the better it would be. Avoid using oil based stains to polish or clean your furniture, as the oxide present in them can eventually cause your furniture to turn black.

Steps 8- To preserve the natural beauty of your furniture, apply primer. Apply a thin coat of primer; carefully follow the instruction given on the label. Work section by section; avoid wiping the surface to prevent streaks. Allow the primer to dry naturally for 24 hours before applying the second coat.

Never embark on a furniture restoration procedure without proper safety gear in place.

Argyle Furniture Designs offers handcrafted furniture pieces especially for the customers who ordered it. In this way you can own furniture that reflects your own personal taste. Click on this website argylefurniture.com.au for more information.