Antique RestorationWhether or not Antique restoration is good or bad is a question many of us have asked ourselves when we bring home an antique. There are different views on antique restoration but here is mine.If you have an antique that is not something really special and you don't intend on selling it to make a profit, then go ahead and make the piece look like you want it. After all, you bought it and the decision is yours. However, before you dare touch anything on it, make sure you research it to be sure of its value because you would probably kill yourself later if you changed it from its original look and then found it was worth a bucket of money! There is a difference between refinishing and restoring an item. Refinishing means to give it a new surface.
Restoration of a piece means bringing it back to it's former condition. Since this site is about auctions you would not want to restore or refinish. The original condition is valuable to the buyer. Some people clean wood pieces with carbon tetrachloride which can be bought at most paint stores. Others use soap and water. However, soap and water can loosen glue in the joints so wash like you are giving it an old fashioned sponge bath. You may be surprised when your piece drys. It may only need some polishing! Check out the antique auctions on eBay to see different items you might be interested in. Just remember the older look appeals to a mass market. I'd like to recommend a wonderful site for learning more about antiques. Antique Marks is your FREE reference site for information on all kinds of antiques and collectibles, including antique markings. Auction Mentor
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