If you are one of those people that gets up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday morning to see what beautiful antique treasures you can find at the local garage sales, you are probably an appreciator of well-crafted furniture with history. Antique furniture can be both beautiful and historic, but to own a piece of antique furniture requires specialized care. You must be familiar with the right methods of maintaining the value of your antique.
One tip on caring for your antique furniture that professional appraisers often advise is leaving the finish alone. If you are interested in keeping your antique piece in its most valued condition, leave the original patina on the piece. It is as important as the piece itself. Trying to strip, sand, and stain to restore the finish may make the piece look updated but can drastically effect the value of the piece.
If you wish to polish your piece of antique furniture, do not use wood oil on the furniture. These oils leave behind an oily residue that can damage the original patina. The best method is to use a furniture paste wax. Apply the wax with a soft cloth like a cheese cloth or microfiber cloth. The wax will protect the furniture from moisture and dust but is not permanent. A thin layer of wax should be applied annually. Another mistake is to polish any metal hardware on the piece. This can damage the wood and the value of the piece. Leave hardware with its original patina.
The storage of your piece of antique furniture is also important in maintaining its value, especially the humidity in the area of storage. Wood expands and contracts relative to the amount of humidity in the air. It can warp or split if the air is too dry or grow mold if the air is too wet. If you live in a very dry climate, you may want to consider installing a humidifier in the room where you keep your furniture. Or if the climate you live in is extremely humid, a dehumidifier is the best option. For this same reason, keeping your furniture away from air conditioning or heating ducts, radiators, or stoves is very important. Also, UV rays from direct sunlight can damage the finish of your piece. Keep your furniture out of direct sunlight or in a room with curtains or shades to diffuse the light.
Following these tips will ensure that your piece of furniture remains in the best condition possible.