Helpful Advice
FAQs
I am regularly contacted for advice on how to help people with their antique furniture, so I have come up with a list of the most frequently asked questions. I hope you find these helpful.
See if your query is answered below, if not please give me a call or email!
How can I tell if my furniture has woodworm?
Look for small piles of dust on the floor, carpet and on the dust boards of chest of drawers. Tiny holes are also a sign and it usually happens in early spring.
To treat woodworm you can use a liquid or aerosol product but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for health and safety reasons.
How often should I wax furniture?
Usually once every six months or so should be sufficient for table tops depending on how much it is used, make sure you buff it with a soft clean cloth. A good beeswax polish should be used, and use dark wax for darker woods like mahogany and rosewood, and light wax for lighter woods like pine, birch and beech.
How do I take care of water, heat, spirit and burn marks?
Restoring this type of damage depends on the finish used on the furniture. You should seek professional advice as modern pieces can be finished with different types of lacquer, while older pieces could have been finished with a French polish or wax.
How do I look after sagging loose seats in chairs?
Hessian webbings can be stretched due to wear and tear over time so the cover and upholstery requires removal to find out the cause of the problem and requires professional help.
What do I do if the drawer lock is jammed or sticking?
The internal lock may be damaged if it has been forced open or the wrong key has been used. If the springs and levers are damaged, a specialist repair is required.
What do I do if a drawer sticks a little?
If you rub some paraffin wax on the sides, bottom edges of the drawer sides and runners, this can help. A white wax candle works equally well.
How do I replace a missing handle?
If you post the relevant handle and its fittings to me, I can give you an estimate for the cost to replace it.
Should I insure my antique furniture?
It is getting increasingly difficult to replace antique furniture like for like, so you should insure them for the correct value and cost. Taking digital pictures of your antiques is a good idea as this can help with your insurance claim.
How should I store my antique furniture?
This is extremely important in making sure that your piece of furniture is properly cared for. Items can be very susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity so try to store furniture in a temperature-controlled environment.