Recognising the Signs
Antique furniture tells a story — but sometimes that story includes damage that threatens the piece’s integrity and value. Knowing when to call a professional can mean the difference between a successful restoration and irreversible harm.
Structural Warning Signs
Loose or separating joints are the most common indicator. If a chair wobbles, a table leg rocks, or drawer joints have visible gaps, the original glue has likely failed. While it may be tempting to reach for wood glue, improper re-gluing can make professional repair far more difficult — and expensive — later.
Cracked or split wood requires assessment by a conservator. Hairline cracks in solid wood may be stable and cosmetic, but splits along the grain or cracks near joints can compromise structural integrity. Environmental factors — heating, air conditioning, humidity swings — are usually the culprit.
Surface Damage
Veneer lifting, bubbling or chipping signals moisture damage or adhesive failure beneath the surface. Left untreated, small veneer issues spread rapidly. At Olek, we routinely re-veneer antique tabletops — including courthouse tables, Regency rosewood pieces and mid-century designer desks — using period-appropriate techniques and materials.
Finish deterioration manifests as clouding, cracking (known as “crazing”), white rings from moisture, or a sticky, gummy surface. Different finishes — shellac, lacquer, polyurethane, oil — deteriorate in different ways and require different restoration approaches. A piano finish, for example, demands catalysed polyurethane that is super-fine sanded and compounded to achieve that mirror-like smoothness.
When DIY Becomes Risky
For everyday furniture, minor touch-ups are fine. But for antiques, designer pieces (Arne Vodder, Jacques Adnet, Eero Aarnio) or pieces with sentimental value, professional restoration protects both the item and its value. Incorrect sanding, the wrong finish or incompatible adhesives can cause damage that’s difficult or impossible to reverse.
What Professional Restoration Involves
A qualified restorer will assess the piece’s construction, wood species, original finish and any previous repairs before recommending a course of action. At Olek, every project begins with a consultation — send us photos and we’ll provide a detailed assessment within 24 hours.
With 75 years of experience and a team of 40+ master artisans, we restore everything from 18th-century George III mahogany dining tables to mid-century Percival Lafer sofas — all backed by our exceptional warranty.
