Antique Table Restoration Tips

Restoring antique furniture to its former glory can be an expensive and painstaking process, but it’s also the best way to keep its value intact.

Tip #1 Don't do it yourself. The slightest mistake can mean disaster and it’s highly unlikely that you’re going to find an exact replica. Leave it to the professionals. Antique furniture pieces are irreplaceable.

Tip #2 Find out the extent of the damage. You can normally get estimates and a detailed analysis from Museum curators, furniture experts, and restoration professionals. In some cases it may even be free.

Tip #3 Know exactly what restoration entails and your options. Most times, full restoration is associated with greater risks so you’ll usually be asked if you wish to fix only the damage that’s most easily fixed then implement an alternate solution to other parts when restoration seems risky. Know what else you need besides money to have your antique furniture restored. Would you have to scour the market for a fabric match? Are there gems that you need to replace? How much time will restoration take?

Tip #4 Find the ideal antique furniture restoration expert for you and consider the following:

EXPERIENCE – How long has he been in the business? Does he have any experience in working with similar projects? Can he give you any referrals and proof of his expertise?

SKILLS – What makes him qualified for the job besides his years of experience? Does he possess any educational degrees that could help him in this job? Does he have any specialized skills?

RATES – Restoration projects are always expensive so it’s best to know beforehand how much he’s going to charge you for giving your antique furniture a second lease on life.

Lastly, look for someone you feel easy and comfortable around. This way, if you find any part of the process uncomfortable, you won’t hesitate in inquiring about it. Choose someone who knows that you’re the boss, and what you say goes because you care the most for the item.