Do restored antiques lose value?

If you destroy the patina during the restoration process, you can dramatically decrease the value of the item. Your piece may look as good as new when you’re done, but it may actually be worth less money if the patina is lost.

Why has antique furniture lose value?

Dealers, auctioneers and designers point to a number of reasons for the declining interest in antiques and rapid rise of contemporary design. More homes have open-concept, casual living spaces rather than formal dining rooms and studies, which reduces the need for stately mahogany dining tables, chairs and cabinets.

How much does it cost to restore antique furniture?

Antique Furniture Restoration Cost Antique furniture is expensive to restore, at about $1,000 to $5,000per piece. That’s because of the specialized expertise required and the delicate nature of the job.

Should I paint my antique furniture?

If it’s a very old antique and the finish is completely gone, than a painted finish could do the trick. It’s going to need refinishing anyway, so painting may be a reasonable alternative. Every square inch of the piece needed refinishing. It would have taken hours, and frankly, wasn’t really worth it.

Can you use pledge on antique furniture?

Avoid using Pledge® or a similar commercial polish on antique furniture. Apply wax to surfaces only every three to five years and use only traditional furniture paste wax, not a cream or spray. Make sure that the wax does not contain silicone.

How do you clean and polish old wood?

Mix oil and vinegar in a 1:1 ratio in the bowl using a whisk or fork. Dip a small area of the cloth into the mixture and work it into the wood along the wood grain in small circular motions. Wipe away the loosened mildew and residue with a clean dry cloth.

Are antiques a good investment now?

Most antique purchases are still a wise investment. These individuals often inflate values beyond their natural level and cause them to drop when they dump their investments on the market. Many true collectors have become wary of the shifting economic conditions and have less faith in antiques.

Are antiques going out of style?

Antiques seem to fall in and out of fashion over time. So if you are looking for antiques, go for it! It’s a great time to buy, and they will add so much personality to your home.

Is it worth restoring old furniture?

Trying to refinish centuries-old furniture, without using a professional, can damage the furniture and lessen its value. The only exception to this rule is if the item has more personal value to you than what it is worth. However, wood furniture made between 1850 and 1960 are actually ideal candidates for refinishing.

Is it better to sand or strip wood?

Stripping a finish is faster than sanding to remove it. But more importantly, sanding cuts through stain and patina (the color changes in wood caused by light and oxidation), and it does so unevenly. …

Which Colour is best for wooden furniture?

For light and dark shades of wood, you can choose beige, tan or ivory colors for both paint and decor. For paint as well as decor accents, green is a wonderful choice to complement wood furniture, particularly wood furniture in red, brown, or blonde hues.

Can you paint over mahogany wood?

If you cover a mahogany surface with paint, the tannins will gradually bleed through. Fortunately, the right painting procedure eliminates tannin discoloration for a bright, durable finish. With proper cleaning and priming, virtually anybody can paint mahogany wood with professional results.

Is it okay to refinish antiques?

So that answers the question of whether it’s okay to refinish antiques. But refinishing isn’t always the best solution to make an older or antique piece of furniture look nice. The right solution depends on the condition of the finish along with what you would like it to look like and how you will use it.

Does refinishing increase the value of old furniture?

Let the record show that Antiques Roadshow generally agrees with this notion: Well-conceived and well-executed refinishing and restoration usually enhances the value of just about any piece of old furniture. Exceptions are those rare (often museum-quality) pieces that have somehow survived in great ‘original’ condition.

Should you refinish or stain wood furniture?

You might be better off painting it rather than sanding it down and staining it, however, because the veneer might be too thin to accept much sanding. Another case where you should not refinish wood furniture is if the piece is a valuable antique or a unique designer piece that, although not an antique, nevertheless has a lot of value.

Does preserving an existing finish ruin the value of a house?

They say the existing finish, no matter it’s condition, has to be preserved or “You’ll ruin the value.” It’s become a powerful modern day myth. The TV show “Antiques Roadshow” is often cited as the source for this viewpoint.