How to Care for Antique Furniture

Whether you’re a garage sale scavenger or a furniture hoarder, you’ve often wondered whether the furniture you find or have is an authentic antique or just old. There are many different styles of furniture that all come with distinguished features. For the most part, you’ll find that you encounter traditional English and American colonial the most often. The basic English and American styles run the gamut from ornate to severely functional, from massive to delicate. Just remember, if you like it, the style is right.

It’s important to take care of your antique furniture properly to ensure it continues to shine through the test of time. Here are some helpful tips to keep your restored and antique furniture looking its best.

• Never use Pledge or any type of lemon-based cleaning product
• Never use anything to scrub your furniture that has a rough texture to it
• Never use a feather duster to clean your furniture as any broken feathers can scratch the surface
• Do use a quality paste wax like Mini-wax to wax the wood
  • Apply a small portion at a time working toward the grain of the wood and building up a deep layered finish.
• Do use a very soft cloth, such as cheesecloth, for waxing
• Do use a small amount of wax at a little time – a little bit goes a long way.
• Do avoid extremes in temperatures where you house your antique furniture.
• Do use a humidifier in rooms where you store your antique furniture if you live in dry areas

When it comes to your antique furniture, it’s important to leave nothing to chance. If you’re unsure about the proper maintenance of your antique furniture, then contact us today. We’ll be happy to assist you on-site with all of your furniture restoration needs.

Should I Restore or Purchase New?

Furniture restoration has become quite the trend in America thanks to shows like “The Picker Sisters,” and “American Pickers”. However, the concept of updating old pieces of furniture to look new is far from new. It’s a great way to save money, get creative, and find new uses for old furniture in your home.

Restoring Tradition

The furniture you own is a classic part of your history. That old dining room table or chair in the corner has seen your comings and goings for years and has been an essential piece of background for moments in your life that have started with the words, “Do you remember when…” You can restore the life of its look without losing the intricate details that make it your style.

Bad Practices in New Furniture Construction

In today’s unstable economy, production of everything from silverware to nightstands have suffered. In fact, most new furniture is made from ground paper and wood pulp with an ever thinning wood veneer and construction techniques that are questionable at best. Moreover, the use of plastics is at an all time high. What’s more shocking is that even though new furniture is made with poor materials, it is still more expensive to repair than older pieces.

Better for the Environment

Are you constantly looking for new ways to give back to the environment and reduce your carbon footprint? If so, it’s important to look at furniture restoration to save from the cutting down more trees to build new pieces of furniture.

Whether it is your grandfather’s desk or your mother’s chair, your furniture is a part of your family passed down by generations. Protect it with the help of Jacksonville Furniture Refinishing and Upholstery. Contact us today for more information about our restoration process.

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Welcome to Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering’s new blog. Here you can find the latest news, tips and information relating to Furniture restoration and repair services including, furniture refinishing, Upholstering, fine wood protection and more. Check back often for the latest updates from the professionals at Jax Furniture Refinishing & Upholstering.

For more information about our furniture restoration services in Jacksonville FL or to schedule a free estimate, please call 904.416.1064.