Wood restoration is the repair and refinishing of wooden furniture, panelling and objects to return them to sound, usable and attractive condition. It includes regluing loose joints, replacing missing veneers and mouldings, treating woodworm, repairing splits, and reviving or renewing finishes such as wax, oil and French polish.
Good restoration aims to respect the age and character of a piece while correcting damage that threatens its structure or appearance. Skilled restorers use traditional materials such as animal glue, shellac and beeswax, select old timber that matches in colour and grain, and work in a way that can be reversed by future craftsmen. Over-restoration, particularly heavy stripping and repolishing, has historically destroyed the patina that gives antique furniture much of its value and charm, and collectors now prefer a surface that has been cleaned and revived rather than renewed. Before buying, examine a piece in good light for new timber, replaced handles, filled holes and areas of recent polish. Sympathetic, well-executed repairs are acceptable and often necessary, but significant replacements should be disclosed and reflected in the price.
