Caring for antique furniture
Polishing, Cleaning and Dusting
A patina on the surface, built up over many years and even with old
marks and damage, is part of the character and value of a piece of
furniture and should be preserved. If the surface is badly damaged and
needs restoration, consult a specialist dealer for advice.
Waxing with a good quality polish based on beeswax (not spray
polishes), brings out the colour and grain of the wood and provides
protection. Put a small amount of polish on a soft cloth and rub the
piece until the wax on the cloth shines.This will burnish the surface
and evaporate any solvent.Then polish with a clean duster. If possible,
apply the wax at night to allow it to nourish the wood and polish the
following day. If the wood has become very dry, the wax will soak in
rapidly and should be applied regularly until a good patina has
developed. Normally, wax polish need not be used more than once every
few months as too much wax will cause dullness and absorb dust.
However, frequent dusting is important using a clean, dry, soft
duster.This will encourage a hard skin to form which enhances the
patina.
If cleaning is necessary, for example on a dining room table, use a
soft damp cloth or a clean chamois leather well wrung out. A weak
solution of vinegar diluted in water can be used to clean more
thoroughly but only on polished, undamaged wood. After cleaning, wipe
again with a clean cloth rinsed in clear water and dry immediately with
absorbent paper or a soft dry cloth.
Spillages and wet rings left by glasses should be dealt with as soon
as possible. Always allow areas that have become wet to dry thoroughly,
which may take up to a week, before applying clear wax. If wax is
applied while the wood is still damp more will be absorbed on the damp
patch than the surrounding area and will then darken, leaving the
appearance of an ink stain. White rings left by glasses on polished
wood can sometimes be removed with a little Brasso applied with a soft
cloth. Always work on a small area first in order to be sure the
process is not damaging the surface. Candlewax can be lifted off in a
slab when cold or can be warmed with a hot-water bottle wrapped in a
clean cloth and then removed with a fingernail.
Brass mounts and handles should not be polished with metal cleaners
which can harm the wood around them and remove any water gilding. A
light burnishing while dusting should be enough to keep them bright.
The gold finish on ormolu (gilded bronze) is very delicate and should
not be polished. It should be handled as little as possible, as the
acid in fingerprints can damage gilding, but it can be dusted gently
with a soft brush.
Upholstery should be vacuumed regularly to guard against a build-up of dust and pests.
Enviromental Conditions - Light, Central Heating and Humidity
Sunlight and humidity as well as central heating and pollutants in
the air can affect organic materials like wood, fabric and leather.
Therefore it pays to give a little thought to the environment in which
furniture is kept and to examine it from time to time to check for
damage.
Do not to keep fine furniture in strong sunlight which will fade its
colour. Roller sun blinds cut out rays of the sun without darkening a
room, or curtains can be drawn during the day when a room is not in use.
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity can damage furniture,
especially inlaid or veneered pieces. Central heating dries the air so
the moisture needs replacing. Humidifiers can be readily bought,
ranging from simple devices that clip on radiators to sophisticated
electric models. Even placing a bowl of water near the furniture can be
of help. Damp rooms can also cause problems which can be avoided by
using a dehumidifier. The ideal humidity level is around 50 to 55 per
cent and this can be checked with humidity indicator cards, strips or a
garden hygrometer. The room temperature should be kept as constant as
possible, with central heating left on low at night. Rooms should be
kept well aired. If, in spite of precautions, furniture starts to warp
or split, do catch the problem early and contact a professional
restorer immediately.
Pest Control
The eggs of the wood beetle are laid in crevices in wood and hatch
into larvae (woodworm) which eat into the wood leaving small tunnels
before emerging as beetles and flying away, usually during the summer
months.
This is therefore the best time to check for freshly bored holes and
tell-tail deposits of dust which indicate active infestation.This
should be dealt with as soon as possible before the problem spreads.
The traditional method of treatment is to apply fluid to kill the
eggs on the unfinished surfaces of the wood only as solvent in the
fluid will damage waxed, varnished, lacquered or painted surfaces. A
'low odour' product is as effective as others. After treatment, the
worm holes can be filled with soft wax to disguise their presence.
There is also a warm air treatment called Thermolignum
(www.thermolignum.com ) that involves no chemicals or toxins and
permanently de-infests any organic material from all animal pests.
Other modern treatments for woodworm are available from specialist
firms throughout the country.
Moving and Handling
Antique furniture should be treated with care and respect. Never
tilt back on a chair, open a drawer using only one of two handles or
drag furniture rather than lift it. Do not lift a table from the top
surface but from the lowest part of the main frame. Chairs should be
picked up from under the seat.
Restoration
Honest and sympathetic restoration is quite acceptable for antique
furniture. However, it should only be done by reputable professional
restorers who will use the correct traditional materials. Chipped or
lifted veneers should be professionally repaired as soon as possible.
Only water-soluble wood glue should be used for minor repairs
undertaken at home. Small chips of wood, veneer etc. can be held in
place with masking tape (not sellotape) while glue is setting or prior
to professional restoration. Drawers and doors which stick can be eased
by rubbing candlewax on the surface. Dry, cracked leather on desk-tops
can be revitalised with a lanolin and beeswax preparation after
spot-testing a small area to ensure it does not stain. Clear neutral
shoe cream or leather cream can also be used.
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