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All aspects of traditional furniture
finishing are undertaken with an understanding of finishes of different
periods and a consideration for the patina and colour.
Removal of stains and marks, blending in of
repairs, cleaning and revival, full re-polishing, oil and wax finishes
and repairs to painted furniture.
The
finishes applied
to fine furniture of different periods can vary greatly,
French polishing being only one of several techniques used to achieve a
protective and enhancing finish. The knowledge of
the correct finishes used and the techniques required to conserve or
recreate them has been obtained after many years working on a variety
of finishes on fine furniture, along with working alongside highly
experienced polishers.
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Generally with
Antique furniture it is important to conserve the existing finish and
its patina, this original finish is an important aspect of the piece
but equally the condition of this finish can make the
difference between a very fine piece and a rather dull undesirable
piece.
What is
known as the patina, develops over the full age of the piece and cannot
be easily reproduced, you must not be easily persuaded to opt for a
re-polish, but neither must you be scared to have the piece cleaned
or revived, as this can help conserve the existing polish
The two examples
opposite show finishes which have required polishing and revival whilst
retaining the existing colour, underlying polish and patina.
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Much of the work to
finishes involve just careful cleaning or repairs to small areas,
repairs to scratches, water marks and stains. Sometimes more intrusive
treatment is required Application of reviving solutions which
rejuvenate the existing finish to both preserve it and help the beauty
of the wood show more clearly by restoring the clarity and sheen of the
finish.
Opposite illustrates
the effects of the use of a revival solution along with a
further wax finish.
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Sometimes
complete finishes including all the preparation work, various stains
etc. are used on replacement parts which require blending in. Sometimes
complete re-finishing is required although usually as a last resort,
most of the time the original finish can be retained to some extent.
Opposite
illustrates a Victorian mahogany extending dining table,
having suffered from burn damage. This also required conversion to take
an extra leaf , it is not advisable to alter original pieces but in
this instance an extra capacity was required and could be achieved in a
professional but completely reversible way. Following the conversion
and repairs the table required a complete re-polish to its top
surface along with work to the legs and rails.
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