Antique Furniture Care

[Dave C]

We just moved into a house, where the prior owners agreed to leave several wood antique furniture items. The desk, maybe 200 years ol.d There is a "church bench" and a coffee table - each maybe 150+ years old.

There is also an OLD antique bed frame, with High corner posts. it was made in Spain, maybe 125+ years ago. I doubt that item needs any "maitenance" care?

I am from the Ikea era, aka clueless clearly inept!! Any suggestions on how those antiques should be "handled"? I know I need to avoid "Pledge", beyond that clueless.

I would be most appreciative of any advise!! -dave

[The Natural Philosopher]

pledeg is OK. Just occasionally rub some beeswax into em

[fred]

Pledge will do nothing for it. Give it a good clean and then treat it with a good paste wax suxh as Liberon or Briwax.

If you're up to it check the joints for looseness or wobble. If concerened and you don't feel confident then contact an expert.

If they have no value to you put them up on eBay. Someone may appreciate th em.

[Stuart Noble]

Briwax P7 Original. It's what Lovejoy (and real dealers) use

[John Rumm]

Depends on what needs doing to them. If they are in good condition, then the occasional polish with a decent wax like Liberon black bison (either the clear, or one close to the colour of the piece). If its finish is a little rough or has some dirt buildup, then applying the wax with a wad of 0000 wire wool will help shift the dirt and smooth out the finish. Buff after the wax has sat to dry for a few mins.

If they need more extensive cleaning and repair, then go check out the youtube vids by the The English Polisher:

[harry]

In days of yore they used French polish which is very fragile compared with today's finishes. (Shellac base.) Won't stand any heat or fluids. Be careful with hot plates/cups etc. Steal some beer mats/place mats. :-)

[Dave C]

On day one, I bought a large sheet of acetate - to cover the entire top/ writing surface, to protect it from liquids

[The Natural Philosopher]

How I dealt with french polish

1/. Use pledge to dust it. 2/. If it gets marked by water or heat, simply get some surgical spirit and rub it over with that. This dissolves and resets the shellac, 3/. Apply wax polish afterwards

[Dave C]

Stuart

I am (obviously) aware that I am responding to an OLD post !! Still I Really wanted to tell you how happy I am with the Briwax. I just received the can. I am AMAZED at how well that product "worked" on my centuroes old antiques. The most noteable improved appearnce was where old water spots were present.

For certain, less your post, I would never have know of thta product!! Thanks !!