Furniture Restoration York
| Professional Antique Restoration Service |
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J. Sirrs Restorations WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE RESTORING QUALITY ANTIQUE FURNITURE FOR BOTH TRADE AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC YOU CAN REST ASSURED THAT YOU ARE LEAVING YOUR TREASURED ITEMS OF FURNITURE IN MORE THAN CAPABLE HANDS. WHAT WE DO,
IF YOU NEED ANY ADVICE OR YOU HAVE AN ITEM OF FURNITURE THAT NEEDS RESTORATION CONTACT JOHN AT J.SIRRS RESTORATIONS (01430) 872872
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| TRADITIONAL FRENCH POLISHING |
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French polishing is a wood finnishing technique that results in a very high gloss, deep colour and tough surface. It consists of applying many thin coats of french polish (shellac dissolved in alcohol) using a rubbing pad. The rubbing pad is made up of wadding inside a square piece of cotton and is referred to as a fad. The process is lengthy and very repetitive. The finish is obtained through a specific combination of different rubbing motions (generally circles and figure-eights), waiting for considerable time, building up layers of polish and then spiriting off any streaks left in the surface. The 'fad' is commonly lubricated with an oil, e.g. linseed oil, that is integrated into the overall finish. This helps to prevent the 'fad' from lifting previously applied layers of shellac. Which particular oil is used greatly influences the overall finish. Typically, "softer" oils, such as mineral oil, will produce a glossier and less durable finish whereas "harder" oils, such as walnut oil, will produce a more durable finish. In the Victorian era, French polishing was commonly used on mahogany and other expensive woods, and was considered to give the best possible finish to exclusive furniture. The process was very labour intensive, however, and many major manufacturers abandoned the technique around 1930, instead preferring the cheaper and quicker techniques of spray finishing nitrocellulose lacquer and abrasive buffing. Another reason it fell from favour is its tendency to melt under low heat; for example, hot cups can leave marks on it. However it is also worth keeping in mind that the French polish is far more forgiving than any other finish in the sense that unlike lacquers, it can be efficiently repaired. French polish could also be used in any of the situations above. It does, however, produce a much higher glossed surface and you are also able to change the colour slightly.
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| Is My Furniture Worth Restoring? |
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Small repairs such as chips and scratches are always cost effective and are necessary to maintain the quality of your furniture. however when it is time for full restoration e.g. re-upholstery or strip and re-Finnish; people are starting to ask why should i get my furniture restored when i can buy new so cheap? The answer is quality. The reason why an item of furniture is so cheap buy is that it was so cheap to make. If you have a good item of furniture, it is much more cost effective to have it restored, rather than throwing it out and buying a low grade replacement. Tables & Cabinetry; If you are thinking of having your table or cabinet restored, the quality is distinguished by the method of construction and the materials used. The state of the finish is not important as this will be removed along with any scratches and chips. solid hard woods such as Oak ad Elm are becoming more Rare day by day and such items are almost defiantly worth restoring, also quality veneers such as Mahogany, Teak and Yew. When looking at joints, look for traditional joinery including joints and dowels, bolts and screws rather than nails and staples. Antiques: Genuine antiques are always worth restoring if you are unsure of the quality or legitimacy of your antique furniture, you should contact us for advice we are more than happy to help. CONTACT JOHN OR LINDA ON. (01430) 872872
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| Restoration Before & After Images Restored by J. Sirrs Restorations |
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| Large Victorian Antique Dining Table Before |
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| Large Victorian Antique Dining Table After |
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| Signs Of Good Quality Furniture |
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Dovetail Joints
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| Good Quality Hard Woods & Softwood | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Wood types are separated initially into two categories, hardwood and softwood. Believe it or not the terms hardwood and softwood have nothing to do with the actual hardness of wood. Hardwood comes from deciduous trees, which produce either a fruit or a nut, have broad leaves, and generally become dormant in cold weather. Softwood comes from coniferous trees (conifers), which are for the most part cone bearing evergreens that have needles. Different woods species provide color and texture, strength and beauty to custom wood products. Each wood species has strong and weak points unique to itself. Some species are best used for exterior applications, while other types are exclusively for interior usage, some species are best for painting, others for staining. The type of wood that will best suit your specific need will depend on how and where the wood will be applied, and your decorating taste. Every wood has a distinctive grain structure. Woods such as white and red oak, ash and walnut have "open-pores". These woods have small holes in their surface that give the piece a textural quality. When a stain is applied to this type of surface, the stain tends to collect in the "open-pores" and appears darker than the rest of the piece. Tight grained woods include maple, alder, and cherry. These woods are smooth to the touch and can take finish evenly.
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