Furniture is an essential part of any home. But, not all furniture is created equal. Many modern pieces are made simply, flat-packed, and put together at home. These pieces are not likely to stand the test of time. In short, you’re not going to want to restore them.
However, older pieces that have been crafted by professionals, and sentimental furniture can be refinished to help them look like new again. If that’s your intent, the best option is to get a specialist furniture restoration Sydney to take care of it for you.
Once you have a refinished piece you’re going to want to look after it. Fortunately, this is easier than you may think.
Avoid Touching
It’s probably not possible to avoid touching a piece of furniture altogether. If this was the case then it would be an ornament and serve little purpose. But, even an item that is used daily doesn’t need to be handled excessively. The oil that is naturally present on your hands will rub onto the furniture and damage the finish.
Clean Regularly
To help ensure no damage is done from regular handling, make sure you clean your furniture as often as possible. This means using a mild soap mixed with some warm water. You’ll need to use a clean cloth and make sure it is damp, not wet. Then, lightly run it over your furniture before drying with another clean cloth.
Avoid Polishing
Polishes and other chemical cleaners have an array of products in them that are not good for your furniture. It is best to avoid using these items on or even near your restored furniture items. They are likely to damage the finish.
Use Placemats
If you rest drinks or even plates on your furniture then make sure you use a placemat every time. This will help to prevent liquid from spills or condensation from hitting the furniture and damaging it.
It should be noted, that if you do spill anything on the wood, clean the spill up immediately by dabbing it and don’t scrub it. Dabbing will help to absorb the spill even when it has gotten into the wood grain.
Avoid Sunlight
The sun feels nice on your skin but the powerful rays will quickly fade the finish on any item of furniture, including your restored pieces. If possible, it is best to position your furniture so that it is out of direct sunlight.
Watch Heat & Moisture
Moisture in the air will cause your wood to swell, just as excessive dryness is likely to cause it to crack. In other words, it is best if your house is maintained at a steady temperature. This will reduce the likelihood of damp causing swelling or mould issues or dryness causing it to crack.
It should be noted that small scratches can and will happen. However, you can eliminate these by using oil or varnish. This will fill the scratch and leave it looking like new again.
