Know the Difference Between Antique Refinishing and Restoration

By: Benedict Smythe

Just like any other material, antique furniture pieces may deteriorate over time. When such happens, the owner is faced with the question of whether he should refinish or restore the antique piece. In choosing which process should be undertaken, it is vital for the antique owner to have a complete understanding of the difference between the two.

What is the difference between Antique Restoration and Antique Refinishing?

As the name implies, Antique Restoration process refers to the step by step procedures to “restore” the antique piece. Basically, the process ensures that the antique object will not lose its value or worth. Antique restoration may refer to light cleaning, antique refinishing, or conservation.

Antique refinishing is a method of antique restoration. In this restoration technique, the restorer usually prioritizes the upholding of the functionalities of the antique furniture.

For example, if the antique furniture is a table, the restorer would have to make sure that the legs of the table are in good shape and condition to hold some weight on the flat surface where food can be displayed. As such, aside from light cleaning or the process of removing dirt and stain from the item, reassembling and repainting should also be considered. However, the restorer should make sure that regardless of whatever he does, the antique furniture should be able to retain, if not totally increase its value.

The factors that should be considered

In deciding whether an antique piece should undergo refinishing, the restorer or the owner of the piece should consider the following factors:

The peculiarity of the furniture’s design: Consider if the furniture piece has a unique design from the old or medieval years. If the furniture looks like a classic example of art from another century or decade, it would be preferable to do some light cleaning only to ultimately conserve the furniture piece instead of altering it and diminish its value.

The craftsman or the manufacturer of the furniture: There are some cases when the value of the furniture is based on who crafted such. Thus, the furniture is considered valuable and notable regardless of its age and functionality. In such cases, light cleaning is recommended as refinishing will ultimately make the item an ordinary furniture piece.

The basis of value: There are some instances where the restorer would have to choose what to prioritize- the age or the functionality of the antique furniture piece. In the case of tables, chairs, beds, closets, doors, and other huge furniture pieces that are not ideal for mere display, it is best and more practical to focus on the preservation of the antique’s functionality. However, in the case of display items such as paintings, jars, lamps, and other small antique objects which can be displayed and used solely as a decorative art, some light cleaning or conservation will be the best way to go.

The cost of the restoration process: Budget is a prime consideration when restoring antique furniture pieces. The restorer would have to note that there are some furniture pieces that would need highly expensive materials in order to restore or refinish them. As such, in cases where antique furniture will be used only for home purposes, the more cost-effective restoration process should be considered.

Article Source: http://www.bigfreearticles.com

Just like any other material, antique furniture pieces may deteriorate over time When such happens, the owner is faced with the question of whether he should refinish or restore the antique piece

About the Author:
Driscolls Antiques is a leading supplier of quality antiques and antique furniture. Benedict Yossarian is a freelance Internet Marketing Consultant that can help maximize your exposure online.

Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, antiques, antique furniture, antique restoration

Please Rate this Article

Comments

Share This Article - Quick and Easy Using This Button:

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Arts and Crafts Articles Via RSS!

Read More Articles From - Home | Hobbies | Arts and crafts

A Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Dollhouse Collection By: Lily Morgan - Collecting dollhouses has long graduated as a child’s hobby; many adults have now taken to this passion. For most, it is an opportunity to express creativity, an outlet for one’s inner architect and closet interior designer. Others find work on miniatures therapeutic and meditative.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, dollhouse collecting
Growing Your Collection: How to Choose the Right Doll House Kit By: Lily Morgan - It’s such a great shame if something that is just beautiful, and obviously took much care and effort, just ends up gathering dust in the basement. Good thing for all miniature enthusiasts, their collections have a place to go in case they need a home. Enter the Miniature Museum of Greater St.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, doll house kits
Candle Lanterns By: Tara Smith - There are many kinds of candle lanterns and they have been around for a long time. Post candle lanterns are one kind and they come in various styles such as pilgrim, onion, and navigation.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, candles, soy candles, candle lanterns
Making Candles in Colonial Times Was Essential By: Tara Smith - Candles in Colonial America were a necessity. Obviously they didn’t have electricity and oil for lamps was costly. Candles were the light of the night. The common people made their candles out of tallow, which is animal fat and it burned rancid like the Roman candles made of the same substance.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, colonial times, scented candles, soy wax candles, soy chunk, making candles
How to Create Your Own Sterling Silver Jewelry By: Brenda Ogilvie - It is interesting to note that people from all walks of life are choosing to opt for professions which are close to their heart.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, sterling silver jewelry, jewelry sterling silver, womens jewelry
Cool Scorpio Symbol Tribal Tattoos That Rock By: lucy watson - Having tattoos is one way of an individual to show his personality. To some people, tattoos mean something and most of the time, these people have thought of the design carefully before the inking process.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, tribal tattoos, scorpio symbol tribal tattoos
The Life of Fashion Jewelry - Fashion Jewelry for the Aging By: Brenda Ogilvie - Costume jewelry is also referred to as fashion jewelry and is the type of piece you would wear on special occasions or to fun events that happen every now and then. Types of fashion jewelry come in many styles, designs, and colors to choose.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, fashion jewelry, vintage fashion jewelry, fashion costume jewelry, womens fashion jewelry, costume
How to Take Care of Your Sterling Silver Jewelry By: Brenda Ogilvie - Sterling silver jewelry is the latest fad to hit the fashion world and is being aped by the rich and poor alike. The jewelry is good to look at and comes at an affordable price.
Tags: sterling silver jewelry, womens sterline silver jewelry, discounted sterling, plus sized jewelry
The Fantastic Look of Vintage Jewelry By: Jeff Cox - Tell me where to find that fabulous vintage jewelry! Vintage jewelry is all the rage and many people want to know where to find the best vintage jewelry on line.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, sterling silver jewelry, childrens sterling silver jewelry, sterling silver necklaces
Hip Hop Dance Moves – Learn it Step by Step with Instructional Videos By: Elorado Walls - If you have ever wanted to learn the dance moves you see pop stars performing on television, but have been too shy to take a class, or possibly couldn't afford the monetary or time investment then you should consider hip hop dance videos.
Tags: hobbies, arts and crafts, hip hop dance videos, hip hop dance dvd, learn hip hop dancing, hip hop dance moves