The primary concern on everyone’s mind when it comes to restoring a piece that is irreplaceable…. “How do I find someone I can trust?”
There are a lot of refinishers out there. The difference between refinishing and restoring can seem vague, but the truth is finding someone with a history of restoration is vitally important and can make the difference in your piece being properly restored to it’s original condition, or robbed of all its authentic value.
Here are a few “insider tips” for choosing a restoration company and what to look for when you are interviewing restorers:
Mass refinishers will often have no idea when a piece was made. They may have an understanding of woodworking and refinishing, but lack the knowledge to identify a real antique or provide alternative methods of restoration.
There are always choices when it comes to restoration. Often a proper repair is sufficient to return a piece to its original beauty and function. Based on your desired result, the restorer should be able to provide at least two choices.
Dip-stripping is the easiest way to remove old finish. But it also breaks down the joints of the piece, and can cause damage to wood and veneer by being submerged in highly toxic chemical stripper over a long period.
If a restoration company cannot provide you with a list of previous customers that you can contact and ask about their experience, that is a red flag that this company is either new to the field or does not have a positive reputation.
Moving furniture is a time consuming and difficult process that requires an appropriate size vehicle and the knowledge of how to pack the piece to prevent damage. A reliable restoration company will have planned for this.
If you aren’t certain about the caliber of your potential restoration company, call Mumford Restoration at (919) 510-6310 . The team here at Mumford would be happy to walk you through each and every step of this process to ensure you feel comfortable and confident your piece is in good hands.