One of the best features of a well-cared-for antique is the rich patina that has developed over its lifetime. This gorgeous sheen is unique to each piece and certainly a characteristic that you'll want to preserve. The patina can either add to the value of an antique or take it right away.
At Ski Country Antiques & Home, we want to ensure that you will enjoy your antiques for many years to come, so we’ve put together our top 5 tips on how to properly care for your antique furniture.
Source: The Perennial Style
Our Colorado climate is dry enough on its own, so be sure to place your antique furniture out of the direct flow of heating units or vents. Over time, dry heat can cause wood to shrink and crack. Similarly, make sure to keep your pieces out of direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause accelerated fading, destroying the finish of your antique furniture. Don’t worry, there’s no need to live in the dark. Diffusing harsh sunlight with sheer curtains or blinds will easily do the trick.
Source: Unsplash/Flaunter
Cleaning your antique furniture can be as simple as carefully dusting the surfaces. Use a soft cloth to regularly dust your antique furniture. Avoid using anything with a rough texture as it could scratch the surfaces. Be mindful of using feather dusters as broken feathers can cause scratches. A simple cheesecloth or soft cotton cloth are the best choices.
Spray cleaning products and oils can be very damaging for antique furniture. Spray cleaning products coat the wood with silicone and over time a waxy film builds up, making your furniture look hazy. This film residue is difficult to remove and actually attracts dust! Oil is bad for wood antique furniture because it soaks into the wood grain and can turn the wood black when it oxidizes.
Source: Architecture World
Wax paste is the best way to care for your antique furniture. It creates a protective barrier and brings out the natural grain of the wood. We recommend using a good wax paste at least once a year. Fiddes is our favorite brand and can be purchased in-store. Be sure to thoroughly dust before waxing, then apply the wax with the grain (not in a circular motion) using soft cloth. Leave it to dry and then buff to finish with a clean cloth.
Source: Ski Country Antiques & Home
Tarnished metal is not a good look. To care for metal hardware, we like to use Cape Cod Metal Polishing Cloths. These pre-moistened cloths work on any type of metal and can also be found in-store. When polishing, try to avoid getting metal polish onto your wood. The safest way to polish is to take the hardware off the piece, polish it, and then replace it.
Source: The Pink Pagoda
Use these 5 tips to preserve and enjoy your antique furniture for many years to come. Remember, antique furniture that retains its original finish is considered the most valuable!
Looking for a piece? Come visit us in store or see a sampling of our collection below:
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