The true process of furniture restoration should not be confused with refinishing, although the two processes are often blended together on many projects. Often times, furniture that makes its way to us are in such a state of disrepair, a new finish is required. In these situations, much care is taken to replicate the original finish.
The definition of restoration is to bring back to a former or original condition, to reconstruct or repair something so as to restore it to its original or former state.
Restoration can be performed on furniture of any age. If original or prior condition is the goal, restoration is the term of the process used to achieve that goal.
Our restoration process can involve some or all of the following components: * Stripping * Sanding * Staining * Finishing
* Repairing * Pick-up and Delivery
Stripping
The stripping process we use is one that is not commonly used these days. We don’t strip in a chemical bath. We strip every piece by hand. We have our own industrial grade stripper.
Sanding
Large items like a table top are sanded on a table sander. All items are carefully sanded depending on age of piece in preparation for finishing.
Staining
We apply a variety of types of stains depending on the colour required. In general, we will apply a pigmented stain by hand and wipe it off. We can colour match period pieces as well as colour match newer furniture in touch ups.
Finishing
Depending on the requirements of each piece we can French polish, lacquer, wax or oil.
Repairing Process
When we repair, we clean all joints before re-assembly, removing all old glue and/or wood/parts from previous attempts that may have failed. It is imperative that all wood be able to touch fresh wood for glue to adhere correctly.
Joints on table tops are repaired precisely enough that they cannot be seen other than the difference in the wood grain.
Pick-up and Delivery
If required, we will pick-up and deliver your furniture for a minimum charge. For very large furniture items we recommend you organise carrier pick-up and delivery.