Caring For Antique Furniture

Caring for Wood and Antique Furniture:
When considering a furniture care and maintenance plan, choosing quality products such as waxes, polishes and cleaners is very important. Quality products used correctly and in the right context will help reducing wear and deterioration but also impart a healthier look to wood and furniture. It is also important to point out that wood is a natural substance that reacts to environmental changes such as light and humidity. Thoughtful consideration must be given to each of these, as their affects on furniture can be devastating and irreversible. A successful maintenance and preservation plan will include careful consideration of furniture care products and the environment in which the furniture will live. There must be a balance of the two, because there is no product in the world that will guard against ignorance or neglect.

Ultraviolet Light and Wood Furniture:
Ultraviolet (UV) light is particularly harmful to wood furniture and causes irreversible damage. The light and increased temperature accelerates the degradation of finishes and colorants. Damage, in severe
cases, can only be restored after stripping and refinishing. This loss of“patina” can greatly affect the value of your furniture, particularly if it is an antique. Furniture should be moved out of the direct sunlight. Blinds and curtains are helpful in diffusing the intensity of sunlight, but museum grade window film is the best. There are window films available today that are clear and provide 99.9% protection from harmful UV rays, as well as significantly reducing temperature levels in the home.

Moisture and Wood Furniture:
Wood and furniture is also affected by humidity. Wood expands and contracts as the moisture in the air changes. The ideal range (but not the only expectable range) for relative humidity (RH) is between 45 and 55 percent. If a dramatic change occurs in the RH it is possible that furniture may experience shrinkage damage and warping. Finish and veneer detachment is also a possibility. Furniture exposed to high humidity levels for a prolonged period of time may experience mold growth and
insect infestation. Avoid placing furniture in attics, basements or any area in the home that may experience extreme temperature or RH changes.

The Furniture Butler would like to thank TheFurnitureConnoisseur.com for permission to use portions from their website article "Caring For Antiques" for this article.