Touching Up Furniture

In Victorian times, the wealthy had their furniture touched up and polished regularly. New-looking furniture was a sign of wealth and status. But today many collectors want old original finish. How often have you heard that the value of furniture was lowered because it had been refinished and did not have the “patina of age.” Many carousel horse collectors now pay a premium for “original park paint.” But paintings discolored from smoke or sunlight are more valuable if properly restored to their original look. The discolored surface is removed so the original bright colors can be seen. It is OK to remove dirt, but not to add paint to restore.