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A furniture finish has two functions: To protect the wood and to enhance its appearance. Without the protection of a finish, the wood surface becomes soiled, dull, and grayish looking. At times, the soil penetrates below the surface and never comes out, leaving dark blotches and rings. On woods like walnut, mahogany, and cherry, a finish really shows off the rich grain contrasts.
Stripping
The old finish is removed with remover that is safe for fine furniture. Solvents are used to clean-up the remover residue; solvents are not of water, which has the potential to loosen glue joints, raise the grain of the wood, and change the natural color or patina that the wood has aged to. For these reasons, we do not use water in our cleansing process.
Color and Sheen
The piece may be refinished as close to its original color as possible, or you may make a complete color change. If you have a color sample, we can match that; or, select one of our color samples and we'll advise you of the range of possibilities based upon the color of your piece. For some people, we try different stains to see which one most appeals to you. Our stains are slow drying, so we can clean the trial area thoroughly before the color sets.
The finish is sprayed on, allowing it to dry very smooth and clear. Its hardness is a kitchen cabinet grade, satin sheen. We can give you a more matte look or a higher gloss sheen on the wood, delivering the appearance you want.
Paint
You can have indoor furniture painted your choice of colors; our computer provides precise color matching. We use colored lacquer for it's smoothness, hardness, and quick drying. A secondary color or two can be added on top for a multitude of effects. After the final color is applied, the piece is clear-coated for maximum protection. For iron patio pieces, sand blasting is used to remove old paint and rust; then,it's primed and painted with automotive enamel for durability.
Gluing
Re-gluing loosened joints is the most common type of repair we see. In order for re-gluing to be successful, the joints have to be free of preexisting glue and be properly clamped. Furniture that has splintered or has multiple breaks is usually repairable. Missing parts can be duplicated, providing another part is available that represents the appearance of the original part.
For several years we have been very successful in using a 2-part injectable epoxy for repairing joints. Besides adhering to the wood, this method fills up the entire space of the joint with adhesive and does not dry out, which makes for a very hard, long-lasting joint.
Veneer
Broken or missing veneer is a challenging type of repair. We have several techniques that allow us to make repairs, without the piece having a "repaired" look. However, re-veneering an entire piece is something we do not do.
Estimates
Lou is available to make on site evaluations. Simply call or email to schedule an appointment.
During regular office hours, you may bring your pieces to the shop and someone will be there to talk to you about your project. If it’s out of the ordinary, it can be left and after Lou evaluates the piece we will call you with the estimate.
Many people enjoy the convenience of e-mailing pictures of their pieces and having us e-mail the estimate back to them. This works well with most projects. Certain repairs will need to be evaluated either in the shop or by an in-home evaluation. Email you pictures to: lou@furniturewerks.com.
All estimates, excluding those for insurance purposes, are at no charge.
Is It worth It?
The cost of traditional refinishing is higher than purchasing new lower priced furniture. However, refinishing gives you much more in return, dollar for dollar, over the long run. New lower priced furniture is disposable; in fact, some of it will start to self-destruct with light usage. A good refinishing will help greatly extend the useful life of a piece by 30 or more years, depending upon usage.
And remember...If in Doubt...Don't Throw it Away!
If you own an old piece of furniture, think twice before you junk it - no matter what its condition. For one thing, the cost of replacing it may be high - if indeed it can be replaced. Second, depending upon its age or history, that old piece might just be valuable. And finally, you may be surprised to discover how seemingly irreparable furniture, even furniture with missing parts, can be beautifully restored. Consider these factors when gauging cost versus benefit of any repair or restoration:
- An old piece of furniture can be repaired to a state of functional usefulness at minimal cost. Repairs are only made to the point that the piece is useful once again. The goal of the repair is for it to be unnoticeable, not to have a totally new restored look
- A traditional looking piece can be restored to it's original finish, color, and sheen.
- An unsightly chair or sofa can be given new life with a stunning new fabric and fresh padding. When a restored piece leaves our upholstery bay, it's equal to or better than a very high priced new purchase.
- A cabinet or table can be refinished to a different color, one that is more pleasant to you and your contemporary lifestyle.
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Before - Roll Top Desk
This roll top desk was acquired by Dad in the early 1940's. He told me that J.Leslie Rosenblum gave it to him in exchange for work. Rosenblum owned a pharmacy on 71st Street and was active in community affairs in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago. There is a park named after him, on the corner of Jeffery and 75th Street.
My earliest memory of the desk dates to the early 1950's. Dad used it daily until the mid 1970's. I always remembered it as quite dark.
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After - Roll Top Desk
I decided to refinish the desk after moving it in 1989. The roll top portion sits on the desk top, with dowel pins holding it in place. When I lifted it off to move, I could see the area under the side wings was light and unsoiled. The grain was eye catching.
Now that it has been cleaned and refinished, it is a pleasure to work at. There is a solid brass Marshall Fields tag that is part of the keyhole escutcheon and ads to it's character.
I am well aware that some people will claim that by refinishing the desk, I severely lowered it's resale market value. However, I am not going to sell it, and it will be a long time before it gets out of my family, as several members have asked for it after I am gone. Meanwhile, the new finish is protecting the wood from moisture and soil while giving it a fabulous new look that will last for years to come.
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