FAQ
A: Keep your treasures as dust free as you can. HF will evaluate your furniture and advise on its' care - each piece is individual.
A: Surface dirt or dust is an amzing conglomeration of molecular substances such as skin, fibers, grease, etc. It can be damaging to furniture, very slowly, and attaches to furniture by static electricity and by being trapped in microscopic crevices in the coating. Call if you see flaking of paint, or lifting of gilding.
A: The value of your furniture is what it means to you, as well as its monetary price. HF can make all repairs as needed, whether big or small, so that you are happy with the piece, as well as save money by not replacing it.
Q: What factors contribute to the value of antique furniture? A: The most common factors are: rarity, craftmanship, condition, provenance, sentiment.
A: Documentation begins with examination. Heirloom Finishes will photograph your furniture. A written report is prepared with details of condition and any provenance you supply. We will discuss your objectives and a treatment schedule. You will be kept informed of any hidden damage we uncover or any necessary treatment which could exceed the original estimate. On completion of the project, you will receive a CD with your hard copy report and photographs. This becomes part of the provenance (and value) of your furniture..
A: Here's a quick guide:
Conservation: Returning a piece to servicable condition - structurally and aesthetically,
with minimal intrusion
Restoration: Fully renovate to what is arguably its original form
Patination: The effect of light, air and dirt
Reconsolidation: A process of applying solvents to a finish so that an old, crazed surface
can be rejuvenated.
Elements: Any part of a piece of furnuture that is not the case or main structure.
Fretwork: An element of decoration that is pierced scrollwork.
Tambour: Thin slats of wood glued to canvas as in a roll top for a desk.
Pediment: The top part of case furnuture, also a cornice.
C
rest Rail: The top rail across a chair.
Rule Joint: The rounded over-edge on a table to which a drop leaf is hinged