Home tips

Southern Living, Feb 2001 by Martin, Robert

If you've ever watched PBS's Antiques Roadshow, chances are you've seen someone hauling around a family heirloom that's recently been "cleaned." At first, the appraisers goggle over the find; then suddenly, they cringe at the object's altered condition. As the show"q continues, the piece's potential worth is reduced to afraction of its value, and the owner's hopes are deflated right in front of the television audience. To prevent such disappointment, here are some helpful tips both for protecting your fine furniture and for saving yourself from national embarrassment.

An Enduring Finish

The value of well-crafted, period-made furniture rests not only in how intact a piece has remained, but also to what extent the original finish has survived. Pieces that appear dingy and dull may only need a good dusting or polishing to bring back their former luster. Consider the following points next time you take stock of your cherished heirlooms.

* Vacuum and dust often. Dust is an ever-present menace to housecleaning; given the opportunity, it can dull and scratch wood surfaces. For furniture with elaborate carvings, use a synthetic duster because it creates a static charge that draws out the dust.

* Heed the elements. Heat, excessively high and low humidity, and sunlight can all take their toll on fine furniture. In response to such forces, no finish or polish can withstand prolonged sun exposure or temperature extremes. Attics and basements may be convenient locations for storing furniture, but they can also trap damaging heat and moisture. For best results, keep your furniture where the temperature and humidity stay relatively moderate and constant (70 deg F at 40% to 55% humidity).

* Finishes don't need tans. To prevent sunlight from damaging your furniture, avoid placing valuable pieces near windows where direct light penetrates. Also, don't rely on tablecloths for protection. Such coverings can enable the sun to unevenly fade or bleach wood surfaces.

* Your mother was right (of course). How many times growing up did you hear the following? "Keep all four legs of that chair on the floor!" or "Don't put your glass on my table without a coaster!" We dismissed such warnings at the time, but she gave good advice. First, to prevent dents and water marks, use felt pads under accessories, and provide coasters for glasses. Remember, too, that furniture should be moved properly and not pushed or dragged. And as your mother so prudently chided, don't lean back in chairs. Putting all your weight on the back legs will stress the frame.

* To wax or to oil? For years, authorities and experts debated the best ways to polish fine wood furniture. At one time, products such as lemon and linseed oils were considered appropriate for "feeding" wood surfaces. Now the current thought supports waxing instead of using oils. Beppy Johnson, owner of Mary Adams Antiques in Homewood, Alabama, recommends steering clear of oil finishes and polishing furniture about every six months with a paste wax.

Another tip is to apply just enough wax to create a shine when buffed. If smudges occur, you've added too much. Remove excess layers by carefully working in mineral spirits with fine steel wool instead of a cloth. Then reapply the paste wax. Beppy says that if refinishing, not polishing, is the answer, then get professional help. Robert Martin

WORDS TO THE WISE

Unsure that a certain polishing product is right for your furniture? Then perform this test: Rub a small amount of the product on an inconspicuous area (such as the inside of a table leg). Be sure to compare the polish's sheen, performance, and color with the existing finish. Also, avoid polishes with linseed oil, lemon oil, or silicone.

For more information on this subject, visit www.remodelonline.com, and click on "Home Center," then "Furniture care and repair." Also, Judith Miller's book, Care and Repair of Everyday Treasures, provides details about polishing, refinishing, and repairing a variety of furniture pieces.