Important Antique Preservation Tips
Published: 01/20/2010 by Lauren Elizondo
Did you just finish cleaning out your granny’s attic and find some super old-looking stuff? I bet you’re thinking that perhaps it may be worth a pretty penny. If you’re considering presenting your aged finds to the authorities on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow or heading down to your local antique shop for an appraisal, you should take a look at how to keep your attic treasures in the most valuable condition.
Do Not Refinish
Say you have a beautiful Victorian chest of drawers but the walnut finish has worn off near the handles. Do not try fixing it by going to the store and finding pre-mixed finish and painting it on yourself. While furniture is usually more valuable the better the condition its in, you could seriously alter the finish if you tried fixing it yourself. Consult a professional for any restorations.
Do Not Repaint
This is especially important in regard to large items, like cars and boats. Before shelling out thousands of dollars for a new paint job, get an appraisal first. The model or make you have may not be worth the money to restore. Also, appraisers may be able to suggest specific businesses have experience working with the type of car or boat that you want to repaint.
Do Not Polish
It’s old; it’s rusty; it has a weird black or greenish tinge to it. Don’t do anything – it’s perfect. This is one of the main antique restoration no-nos people commit. The oxidation of metals is a key indicator of its age and can help verify how long it’s been around when examined by an appraiser. In most cases, items with their original patina are more valuable than when they are polished.
Do Not Repair Scratches or Dents
It seems like you would want to repair scratches or dents before you show a prospective valuable antique to an expert. You’re wrong. Like the worn furniture finish, it’s desirable to have items in the best condition, but chances are if they’ve been a round a long time, they’ve been bumped into and used now and again. You are better off getting the opinion of a professional before damaging the integrity of the item.
Leave It Alone
The most important tip to remember is to just leave it alone. If you are questioning if an aged item is worth something, leave it in the original condition you found it in – regardless of aesthetic deficiencies. A professional antique appraiser can help you figure out how to restore it properly without losing any of its value.
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