Professional antique restoration is undertaken using traditional methods and tools. A large stock of old wood and veneer is used to insure the correct matching wood to compliment the item being restored. A wealth of knowledge and skill is used to restore an item of furniture back to its formal original condition.
Having trained under a London cabinet maker who worked for a top antique dealer in Salisbury, gave Nigel a grounding in the traditional techniques involved in the art of antique restoration.
Having a keen eye for detail is an important part of the restoration of any item, whether it is the shape of a cabriole leg or the grain matching on a patch of veneer. Colouring and polishing repairs is also important to perform a seamless repair.
Modern furniture restoration is also undertaken to the same high standard.
Traditional French polishing is undertaken as well as wax and oil finishes to compliment the item of furniture that is being restored.
French polish is applied with a cloth covered wadding known as a rubber and then finished with fine pumice powder, extra fine wire wool and wax polish.
A variety of wax is used depending on the item being polished, from pure clear beeswax to darker wax’s.
Carvings are buffed using fine bristle brushes.
Quality repairs are undertaken to modern furniture, whether it is G-Plan or Chinese Rosewood bought back from Hong Kong, the same high level of repair is undertaken. This includes finishing of modern table tops.
A range of different types of lacquered polish is applied by spray gun sited in a spray booth to reduce the over spray. These are available in a range of sheens from 5% (complete matt) to 50% (satin matt) up to 90% (high gloss). A full burnished finish is available which begins from a lacquered finish going through various processes of paper and cutting compound to achieve the ultimate high gloss finish.
A medium hardness lacquer can be used on older pieces that can have a pullover solution applied, cut and waxed to give a harder finish than French polish but still retaining the same look.
Where it is not possible to remove items to the workshop, on-site polishing surface is available. This service includes polishing of stair handrails, room doors and wall panelling. This is for new builds as well as the restoration of old buildings.
For the past 25 years we have been on the list of Ercol’s recommended restorers. Ercol have their own polish made for them which is had to replicated. As registered restorers we have access to purchase the polish from them to give an authentic restoration of items which are up to 60 years old.