By Ed Mayorga I am amazed art the extremes I see in people. They ether never polish their furniture or polish/wax it weekly. Both of these extremes will result in equal damage. Furniture need a protective polish/wax applied once or twice a year. Your goal is to protect the finish and that protects the wood.If the finish […]

GLOSSARY Acanthus Carving – A leafy carving Typically found on period furniture. Arts & Crafts Style- This was a movement popularized in the late 1800’s by such well know figures as Stickley, Morris, and Hubbard. The furniture was also known as Mission or Craftsmen style and is distinctive by the parallel, repetitive slats used on […]

By Ed Mayorga Caring for your antiques, ensuring they are displayed, stored and handled correctly is essential to preserving them for future generations. Furniture needs informed care. It’s important to remember that furniture isn’t just wood; the beauty of wooden furniture is often how the wood is aged as well as the other material used […]

Will Stripping and Re-Finishing De-Value My Furniture? By Ed MayorgaI am a professional refinisher who takes great pride in my work. I want beautiful results for you. I am frequently asked if the value of furniture will be diminished if I elect to refinish? This question often comes from segments seen in Antiques Roadshow’s programming. I asked people […]

By Ed Mayorga Customers often ask for our recommendations of furniture finishes. The answer is complex! Furniture pieces have various needs. Antiques were often stained with berry juices and top coated with an oil, wax or shellac. Although many old finishes can be replicated, modern technology has given us a smorgasbord of options. A variety of products and techniques […]

By Ed Mayorga I admire my auto mechanic who loves to listen to my engine and can immediately diagnose a multitude of issues. Your furniture can also make sounds that a knowledgeable furniture restorer can use to diagnose issues with your antique or contemporary pieces. DRAWERS – On older pieces, it is not unusual for the drawers to […]

By Ed Mayorga There is no product that penetrates into the wood with modern finishes (post 1750’s) which use shellac, lacquers (post-catalyzed and pre-catalyzed), urethanes and varnishes. These finishes were applied primarily to protect the wood. To penetrate this finish it would harm the finish and the wood. Manufacturers of furniture care products imply that your furniture […]