Preserving Valuable Antiques

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The term “antique” is given to most items when they are at least 100 years old. The most valuable ones, ‘period antiques’ were made in the time the design originated either by the original or another cabinetmaker. Your valuable antique may be a family table and chairs you’ve inherited and want to preserve for future generations of the family to also enjoy. Custom-made furniture of any era, antique or not carried a high value. This includes furniture made by large manufacturers that worked with non-mass production methods. These pieces will become the next generation’s valuable antiques. All wood furnishings need care, but antiques require special considerations to preserve their value and original integrity. The patina, the collected dirt and discolorment, which develops on old furniture over time and with use, is a treasured asset along with the original finish. Dust, wax and polish, add some soap or beeswax to drawer slides to improve their movement but don’t do anything more without consulting a professional. Find someone knowledgeable about the type and vintage of furniture you own.

Routine Care

When dusting your antiques use a clean, soft cotton rag such as flannel. It will collect the dust without needing spray or liquid additives. In carved wood details or gilded areas, dust gently with a large sable brush. Protect and polish the wood with beeswax or a softer mixture of beeswax plus carnauba wax using a flannel cloth. You can purchase these wax polishes in hardware stores.

Protecting Tabletops

You give further protection to tables and other wood surfaces by adding a ¼ inch thick glass top with polished edges, custom-cut to size and shape. Placing nickel-sized clear or brown pads under the corners of the glass will keep it slightly elevated above the table so air can circulate.

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