To Refinish or Not to Refinish: The Great Antique Furniture Debate
When to restore, when to refinish, and when to leave well enough alone.
Should you refinish your antique furniture? Opinions differ greatly from pro to con and somewhere in between. Throughout much of the 20th century, most furniture was purchased for everyday use rather than display. Consequently, furniture was repaired or refinished if damage occurred in order to prolong its usefulness. It wasn’t until TV shows like Antiques Road Trip, American Restoration, and Antiques Roadshow that people began to think about how their home repairs and refinishing projects could affect the value of an antique.
Whether or not one should refinish antique furniture is a decision that depends on several factors, including the furniture's value, condition, and personal goals for the piece. Here are some considerations:
Refinishing Might Be a Good Idea
Condition: If the furniture is in poor condition—such as having deep scratches, water damage, or missing finish—it might be necessary to refinish it to restore its functionality and appearance.
Personal Use: If you plan to use the furniture in your home and prefer a fresh, updated look, refinishing can be a great way to breathe new life into the piece.
No Historical or Sentimental Value: If the piece isn’t particularly rare, historically significant, or valuable, refinishing can enhance its appeal without diminishing its value.
When to Avoid Refinishing
Antique Value: Refinishing can diminish the value of genuine antiques, especially if they are rare or have a significant historical background. Collectors often value the original finish, even if it shows signs of wear.
Patina: Many antiques develop a patina over time, which is part of their charm and character. Refinishing can remove this unique aspect, making the piece less desirable to collectors.
Historical Significance: If the piece has historical significance, it's usually better to preserve it as is or have it restored by a professional conservator rather than refinishing it yourself.
Alternatives to Refinishing
There are some alternatives to refinishing. A thorough cleaning is sometimes all a piece needs to look refreshed without losing its original finish. Using a good wax or polish, such as natural beeswax furniture care or Walrus Oil furniture butter, can help revive its finish.
If cleaning and waxing fails, a professional restoration company can repair any damage while preserving as much of the original finish as possible.
Refinishing antique furniture is a decision that requires careful consideration. It can be a good choice for functional pieces with no significant historical or monetary value, but an expert should be consulted if the piece is rare or valuable and its original finish is key.
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