Furniture is a fine investment and well cared for furniture even more so. I recommend that at a very minimum you use a good quality wax polish to keep your furniture in top quality condition. A good patina is a valuable asset to any piece of antique furniture and much care should be taken to preserve this.

Cleaning

Clean any intricate areas with a soft brush (not a hard brush which may scratch or damage patina).

Treat wood with a good quality wax (beeswax) polish at least once every 6 months (for metal or upholstery care see other sections but if applying metal cleaners ensure they do not get onto any wood surface).

For poorly polished pieces apply the polish and leave for 12 hours to allow the polish to nourish the wood.

Select a polish appropriate for the colour of wood to be treated.

Generally apply polish sparingly with a soft cloth and then buff off with lint free cloth.

Do not use silicone based spays as they will leave a film which may become difficult to remove.

No oil based polishes as they tend to darken the surface.

During cleaning always take particular care not to scratch surfaces.

Repair

Only attempt minor repairs yourself. All major repairs should only be undertaken by a qualified restorer.

Small surface scratches can be covered using either a natural or synthetic product making sure to match colours accurately. Do not attempt to repair long or deep scratches which should be dealt with via a qualified restorer. Polish over after completing repair.

Make any re-attachments using animal based rather than synthetic glue. Use only a small amount and take care that any glue does not seep beyond the join. Leave 24 hours then polish after repair.

Spillages or rings left by wine glasses can be treated with a damp cloth soaked in a weak solution of vinegar (but only use on well polished surfaces). After cleaning wipe again with water and dry thoroughly. Do not polish wet surfaces.

Damage from wood beatle should be treated by a qualified restorer.

Display

Avoid extremes in temperature and humidity particularly very dry conditions which can make wood shrink, since it is an organic material.

The ideal humidity for any piece of furniture is between 50% - 55%. Outside of this range consider the use of humidifies or dehumidifiers to best preserve your pieces.

Avoid direct sunlight which may effect finish and fade colours.

Keep well away from strong heat sources such as central heating radiators which may warp veneers.

Check regularly for signs of insect infestation particularly wood beatle. If any signs of wood beatle are present treat immediately.

Handling

As always lift and handle any furniture with care making note of any part that might become easily detached.

Remove drawers and lock any doors. Always open drawers using the two handles.

Preferably lift all furniture well down the structure using white cotton gloves.

Take particularly care with any special finish such as gilding.

Use covers and padding to protect from scratches or "percussion" damage.

Storage

Always adequately protect any furniture going to store. If possible use a specialist "fine art" packer/shipper.

Store in a properly ventilated and temperature controlled warehouse and inspect pieces at least every three months for any signs of "storage" damage.

References

Roger Heath-Bullock, www.heath-bullocks.com

LAPADA - www.lapada.co.uk/care/furniture.html

RICS Antiques and Fine Arts Faculty

The Trusted Experts on the site will advice you about restoration and many other matters related to what we hope will be a very enjoyable and at times profitably hobby and past time.

Information compiled by Roger Heath-Bullock