Shopping for antiques can be an interesting experience that can net indoor and porch furniture from various eras, in a range of styles, and a variety of conditions. If you’re looking for pieces that are in perfect shape, you can go to antique stores; but if you want to find things that you can clean up, polish, and/or refinish, you can try flea markets, garage sales, yard sales, and grandma’s attic and basement.
One of the good things about antique furniture is that, because it has existed for decades, or even centuries, you know that it has to be pretty durable. What you don’t know is how many owners it has had, how many times it has been moved, how much use (or abuse) it has endured, or how much exposure it has had to the elements. If it’s outdoor furniture, you know it must have been rained on a few times; but even indoor furniture has seen its share of heat, cold, humidity, and aridity.
Nevertheless, whether it’s an immaculate specimen, or a piece that was used for everyday living, give it the best care, by sheltering it from high humidity and extreme temperatures, which can cause checking and cracking, and loosen the joints and the veneer.
The first time you clean it, vacuum it with a soft brush attachment, to remove any grainy particles that can scratch the surface if they’re rubbed in with a cloth. Use the brush also on pieces that have carved designs, to gently loosen small pieces of dust and debris that have nestled into cracks and crevices. Next, use a soft cloth, dampened slightly with a solvent-based cleaning wax, to remove the rest of the dust, then dry the surface immediately with a cloth or a paper towel. Avoid spray waxes or polishes, as they will leave a high-gloss finish, along with some silicone residue, which can interfere with your efforts to refinish the piece.
Occasionally, you can apply a light coat of a paste wax, such as carnauba, with a soft cloth, rubbing with the wood grain, then buff it until the coating is hard and free of streaks and smears. This kind of wax is good for disguising small cracks in the finish, and can be removed with solvent. Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first, as old finishes are affected by many different things, especially when furniture is not meant for outdoor use.
When you want to find furniture that is designed for outdoor use, go to CedarStore.com and browse their fantastic collection. If you love the classics, you can choose from a selection of old-fashioned, hand-crafted cedar, pine, oak, teak, or cherry porch furniture, that’s durable and decay-resistant. If you want furniture that somebody else may find in an antique store in perfect condition years from now, consider their array of colorful, maintenance-free polywood, aluminum, and vinyl furniture that’s nearly indestructible.
CedarStore.com has one of the most incredible assortments of outdoor chairs, swings, benches, lounges, settees, rockers, gliders, accent tables, dining sets, and hammocks available anywhere. To contact a design consultant or customer service representative, call 1-888-293-2339, or e-mail contact@cedarstore.com.