Furniture Repairs

All major repairs are completed first, to prevent glue from soaking into the raw wood. Any glue on the old finish will be stripped off.

Stripping

We hand-strip only, no dipping, using an improved flow-over system. The stripper is kept in a reservoir, and pumped through a nylon bristled brush. We work from top to bottom, quickly and carefully removing the old finish. The stripper we use is formulated to leave older urea-formaldehyde glues on valuable antiques intact. A rinse mixture of water, oxalic acid, and TSP is used to even out color tones and bring mineral discoloration to the surface where they can be sanded off during the prepping phase.

Preparing

Drawers and doors are fitted and stopped, slides and glides checked, leaves fitted, and detailing completed. Minor repairs are done and all surfaces, including drawer insides, are sanded to finish quality. Flat surfaces are sanded to eliminate the typical waviness associated with machine sanding.

Finishing

A colorfast base stain is used to bring items to a preliminary color. Every surface is completely sealed with a non-stearated sanding sealer, including all under and inside areas. This helps prevent splitting, cupping, bowing and warping by slowing the woods ability to gain and give off moisture. Grainy formal woods (walnut and mahogany) are pastewood filled and given additional coats of sealer to fill the grain. Aniline dyes, known for their depth and clarity, are used to shade entire pieces or individual areas to specific color tones. Catalyzed lacquer topcoats, are applied, and hand rubbed to the desired sheen.

Caning

We also offer Cane Chair Repair. It is much cheaper to repair it than to buy a new chair!

Stained Glass Window Repairs

The level of cleaning, repair, or restoration depends on the condition, quality, and significance of the glass. Each window must be evaluated separately.