How to care for your restored antique furniture pieces

Antique furniture is unique and timeless, instantly bringing a classic look to any space. While these older pieces are often built to last, they must be properly cared for to ensure they remain beautiful and functioning for many more years to come.

Below, we’ll provide our top tips for looking after your antique furnishings like a pro.

1. Regularly dust and clean your antique furniture: Dirt and grime can build up and damage your wood over time. Prevent this damage by dusting your furniture regularly with a soft cloth. If your furniture is particularly dirty and in need of a deeper clean, use a very mild wood cleaner that’s recommended for your wood type. Talk to a professional if you’re unsure.

2. Protect furniture from sunlight and moisture: Exposure to direct sunlight can cause wood to fade and even crack over time, while excess moisture can lead to warping and another host of issues. To combat these problems, be thoughtful about where you keep your wooden pieces, placing them away from windows or doors. When it comes to moisture, try to maintain a consistent indoor humidity level to prevent swelling or shrinking and be sure to keep wooden pieces away from standing water. They should never be drenched or soaked, and any spills that do occur on or around your pieces should be properly dealt with as soon as possible.

3. Prevent scratches and other damage: To protect antique wooden furniture from scratches and water marks, use coasters, placemats, and felt pads under decorative objects, particularly on delicate surfaces. Keep these close to your pieces so they’re easy to find and ready for use! For high-traffic areas, such as dining tables, consider adding protective glass tops to shield the wood from wear and tear. If you’re moving your antique furniture or repositioning it, remember to be as gentle as possible. Lift the furniture rather than drag it so you can avoid weakening the joints.

4. Reapply your protective coatings every few years or as directed: To maintain your furniture’s protection and keep it looking vibrant, it’s important to reapply your finishes every few years, depending on the level of use. These timelines will vary based on the product you use. Regular upkeep will not only enhance the appearance but also prevent damage from wear and tear over time.

For a versatile solution, Sadolin Classic All Purpose Woodstain is a top choice. It works on a wide range of wooden surfaces, both indoors and outdoors, providing an exceptional finish every time, whether used alone or with other products. For added durability, Sadolin’s Polyurethane Extra Durable Varnish is excellent for hard-wearing protection. It offers the benefits of a water-borne varnish, such as low odour, fast drying times, and quick recoating, while its advanced polymer chemistry creates a tough, stain-resistant finish that’s easy to clean. This makes it ideal for surfaces that endure frequent use and require extra durability.

5. Make repairs as soon as possible: It’s important to repair any loose joints, cracks, or scratches promptly to prevent minor issues from worsening and causing long-term damage to the piece. Regular maintenance and early repairs will help preserve the beauty and integrity of your antique furniture.

Restoring and caring for antique wooden pieces is labour of love, but will be well worth it. By following these steps and using high-quality products like Sadolin stains, varnishes, and paints, you can rejuvenate your treasured antiques. Call into your local Sadolin stockist for everything you need to care for your indoor or outdoor timber surfaces.