Worksheet

Will refinishing hurt the value of my antique or vintage furniture?
Without proper care, a damaged piece will deteriorate much more rapidly than a properly restored piece. On the whole, american made furniture from 1900-1960, while excellent in quality, is by no means an original Sheraton or Hepplewhite. Quite often your furniture will appreciate after restoration, rather than depreciate.

• Is your piece highly sought after because of its "collectible" value?

• Will the longevity of your piece benefit from restoration"?

• By hand, using a semi-paste stripper. (Best)

• Flowover (Acceptable for some pieces)

• Chemical Immersion (Not Recommended)

• Solvent Wiped (Best)

• Water- or Power-washed
  • Determine how your refinisher will control the moisture content of the wood in order to minimize warping and splitting.

• Dyed/Stained, then sealed with clear finish (Best)

• Application of a mixture of pigment and finish (Not Recommended)

• Have the refinisher describe the rub-out procedure to you & why this procedure is appropriate for this piece.

• Yes

• No
  • Ask the refinisher what reasons justify not restoring the piece to its original condition.

• Your refinisher should be able to provide you with time and cost estimates.

• Ask for a firm bid. After physical inspection, in most cases, a refinisher should be able to accurately estimate the amount of time necessary for restoring a piece. Try to avoid refinishers who give vague time and cost estimates without good reason.
  • Proposed cost of refinishing:

• Take time to consider the sentimental value you attach to the piece. Do you have a strong desire to pass this piece down to future generations? Is restoration of the piece necessary to ensure its continued longevity?

• Is the aesthetic value of the piece enhanced by restoration? Will you better enjoy the piece in your home after restoration?

• Weigh the piece's sentimental and aesthetic value against the historical value of the piece. Does its value as a collectible outweigh sentimental and aesthetic concerns? Ask your refinisher to help you establish whether the collectible value of your piece outweighs your desire to have the piece restored.

If you would like to have your piece of furniture evaluated, or for a firm bid for refinishing work, contact: