Antiques are timeless pieces that can sometimes embody hundreds of years of history, giving them a unique character and what some could even describe as personality. The effects that introducing an antique could have on the overall atmosphere of a room or space could be tremendous. A statement piece such as a fireplace could immediately create a focal point that will naturally attract guests towards it while also being a superb conversation piece.
It has also become increasingly easier to get your hands on that perfect antique that will complete your vision for a specific space or an entire room. Browsing through the items offered by professional antique dealerships, such as Westland London, provides access to a wide range of antiques – from smaller vases, mirrors, and lighting fixtures to chimneypieces and architectural antiques. However, one crucial aspect of antique pieces is that they may require far more frequent maintenance and care in order to preserve their inherent qualities and prevent degradation. As a result, many buyers soon begin to have several common complaints regarding the way they have to care for their antiques.
Transportation
Antiques are oftentimes rather pricey items that have been around for quite a while. Any dents, bumps, or forceful accidents could easily have a severe impact on the piece and ruin its value. Fixing the item afterward could require a costly custom job performed by a professional antique restoration expert. To avoid such outcomes, the transportation of antiques must be planned carefully and with all possible safety measures, especially if the items are large or heavy, such as fireplaces, wall mirrors, sculptures, etc.
Storage
The placement and storage of the acquired antique are equally as important. Careful consideration is required as the materials of the item could be particularly susceptible to certain factors. One of the frequently encountered problems is putting an antique under direct sunlight. The constant stream of UV rays could result in numerous issues, including discoloration or fading of the surface of the item, as well as the appearance of cracks due to the drying of the material. Placing the item in a dark and cold room may bring its own set of problems. Such environments often contain the perfect mixture of elements for mold to appear or moisture to start building up. Wood furniture could also become warped or suffer other damages caused by thermal expansion if placed in a room with frequent and rapid temperature changes.
Applying Polish the Right Way
Applying polish to the surface of antique furniture is an essential moment in the maintenance of such items, as it helps preserve their original finish. However, the process is not as simple as buying a tub of polish and just smearing it around. Incorrectly applied polish could cause several negative effects, including dullness of the colors, smudging, or bad streaks appearing on the surface.
Instead, you should start by picking the right type of polish depending on the specific material or wood. In general, experts advise against using silicone polish as it could start to build up and impact the surface of the wooden antique. Next, use a clean, lint-free cloth and rub the chosen polish along the grain of the wood. Don’t be too eager, as applying too much is not recommended. Instead, take your time to spread a thin film of the polish.
You are not done just yet! Wait for the polish to dry completely and use a clean, dry towel to buff the wax. Keep in mind that depending on the material, this could take just a couple of hours or up to several days. Finally, do not apply wax too often. Typically, once or twice a year should be sufficient, but you may want to research the material of the item to make sure.