How can I tell if a piece needs restoration or refinishing?.
Most often, pieces need refinishing due to the initial clear coat that was applied. Most furniture has a lacquer finish, even if it is old. Lacquer has been used commercially since the 1920’s. When a lacquer finish dries out, it cannot be reactivated into a liquid state (to smooth out the tiny cracks and texture that naturally happens) because the majority of the finish would evaporate leaving an insufficient amount of clear coat to seal the wood. Older furniture sealed with varnish, however, can be reactivated into a liquid state and smoothed out. Usually the pieces that qualify for a restoration are antiques with no damage to the finish other than being dried out.
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- How can I tell if a piece needs restoration or refinishing?.
