Antique Furniture DIY Repair Tips
Antique Care Tips
Antique Cleaning Tips
Antique Repair Tips
Only attempt minor repairs yourself. All major repairs should only be undertaken by a qualified restorer.
How can I repair small surface scratches?
What type of glue is best to use on antique furniture?
How can I fix damage from a wood beetle or wood worms?
How can I loosen a tight screw?
How can I tighten a loose screw?
How can I fix a sticky or jerky drawer?
How can I get rid of white spots on mahogany furniture?
How can I remove the "foggy" appearanace?
How can I fix dents in the wood?
How can I repair small surface scratches?
Small surface scratches can be covered using either a natural or synthetic product making sure to match colors accurately. Do not attempt to repair long or deep scratches which should be dealt with via a qualified restorer. Polish over after repairing.
What type of glue is best to use on antique furniture?
Make any re-attachments using animal based rather than synthetic glue. Use only a small amount and take care that any glue does not seep beyond the join. Leave 24 hours then polish after repair.
How can I fix damage from a wood beetle or wood worms?
Damage from wood beetle should be treated by a qualified restorer.
Worms in wood can be killed by applying a liquid insecticide into the wormholes, but the wormholes themselves, unless they are dangerous to its strength, should be left to enhance the value of the piece.
How can I loosen a tight screw?
Loosen the glue holding a joint by squirting it with vinegar.
Loosen a tight screw by applying peroxide to it. Tight screws can also sometimes be loosened by hitting the screwdriver with a rubber mallet; or by applying a red-hot poker to the head of the screw, then letting the screw cool before removal; or by using penetrating oil, first waiting for it to work its way along the length of the screw.
How can I tighten a loose screw?
Tighten a loose screw by wrapping a bit of steel wool around the screw and screwing it back in.
When screws work loose, or are removed permanently, fill the hole with a mixture of sawdust and glue. The mixture can be smoothed flat if the screw is not to be replaced, and gives the screw a firm grip if it is to be replaced.
How can I fix a sticky or jerky drawer?
Don't use force with sticky drawers, or you may ruin a good piece of furniture. If possible, wait until dry weather makes it easy to open the drawer, then rub the surface that is sticking with soap, paraffin or stick lubricants. If this doesn't solve the problem, the sticking edges may need to be sandpapered or slightly planed down.
Drawers that stick and jerk will open smoothly if you rub a little soap in the grooves in each side. Or, you can use an old candle to make the drawer runners slide more smoothly.
How can I get rid of white spots on mahogany furniture?
Eradicate white spots on mahogany furniture by spreading a thick coat of Vaseline over the spots and letting it stand 48 hours before wiping off.
How can I remove the "foggy" appearanace?
To remove the "foggy" appearance frequently found on high polished furniture, rub with the grain of the wood, using a clean, soft cloth that has been dampened with liquid wax. Follow with polish.
How can I fix dents in the wood?
Dents can sometimes be removed by applying a hot iron to a damp cloth covering the dent. Holes in wood can be filled with plastic wood stained to match the piece or with white, all-purpose glue mixed with some sawdust from the piece.