Should You Restore Your Antiques?

Deciding what antiques you should restore and which you should leave alone can be tricky. This is because if antiques aren’t restored properly, their value can be decreased or even destroyed. However, a vast majority of antiques out there are good candidates for restoration, and doing so will enhance the item’s value. For example, metal refinishing Manhattan NY can be used to bring a metal antique back into its former glory.

Have It Appraised

To know whether or not you should have an antique restored, consider if it is a museum-quality piece that was constructed by a renowned artisan. If so, its value could decrease with restoration unless it was badly damaged. It would be a good idea to have it professionally appraised before moving forward with professional restoration.

Assess the Damage

Antique experts suggest accessing the damage to determine whether or not you should have the item restored or not. For example, if it only has minor flaws, you should probably leave it alone. However, if the piece is completely broken or seriously damaged, it is a good candidate for restoration. In addition to this, any restoration that is correcting a precious botched repair is a good idea.

Consider the Risk Involved

When considering whether or not to restore your antique, understand that risk is involved with each restoration effort. Whether or not your piece is worth a lot of money, consider the possibility that restoring it may change its overall condition, possibly causing damage.

Don’t Forget About Patina

Patina is the oxidation, or the surface wear of a piece, which shows evidence of its history and age. An antique patina can be considered a desirable trait. If the patina is removed during the restoration process, in some cases, the value of the item may decrease significantly.

There are risks involved with bringing an antique back to its original condition, however, letting its original beauty shine through is a reward all its own.