Old Wood

Waxing pine

Speaking of maintenance, we preach that furniture, particularly pine, needs periodic waxing to keep the wood from looking “dry” and to retain that soft, mellow look.  As I write this note in my family room, I’m staring at a pine entertainment center, coffee table and side table that haven’t been waxed in years.  As I get out the can of Briwax, here’s the best way to maintain your pine furniture:

• Depending on usage, waxing every year or two is sufficient to keep case goods looking their best.  Pine dining tables may require more frequent waxing depending on the look you prefer,.
• Start off with a well ventilated room – open windows and a bit of breeze makes the process more enjoyable.  You may want to move smaller pieces to the garage.  Briwax is strong, flammable and has a distinctive odor which diminishes over a couple of hours.  Simple precautions like breathing masks and gloves are required.
• Light Brown Briwax is the correct color for what we call “mellow yellow” pine – a golden color with just a touch of brown.  Tudor Brown Briwax is a bit darker with a touch of red.  A lighter, more Scandinavian looking color can be achieved with Clear Briwax.  Avoid Dark Brown unless you really know what you are doing.  If in doubt, try a sample in an inconspicuous area of the piece.
• Briwax is a self cleaning process.  In most instances, it’s not necessary to prepare the surface before re-waxing.  Just dust if off and get on with it.
• Apply a moderate amount of Briwax using “extra fine” (0000) steel wool with the grain of the wood using medium pressure.  The goal is to rub the wax into the wood, not smear it on the surface.  Two or three light coats are preferable to a single thick coar.
• Make sure the wax is applied uniformly to the entire surface.  Don’t make the mistake of “spot” waxing to remove a glass ring or stain.
• If the wax doesn’t seem to “stick” in certain spots, sand those spots lightly with #80 grit sandpaper to get a better “bite”.

• Allow five to 10 minutes dry time, then buff with a clean soft cloth.  Again, medium pressure with the grain is the most effective technique.  Continue buffing until the surface is dry with a bit of a glow.  If this process takes too long and seems tedious, you probably applied too much wax in the first place.  Dry steel wool (extra fine 0000) will remove excess wax.

That’s it for this session.  The next issue will contain a few simple tips for determining whether an antique is really as old as the seller would like it to be.

Living with Old Wood...

OldWood is a sometime commentary created by Gaines McHale Antiques for lovers of antique furniture and newly made furniture crafted from recycled timbers.

This blog is for people like us; people who appreciate the romance and history of antique furniture, the patina of an old finish and the look and feel of well executed craftsmanship.  OldWood’s main interest is in mid-range antiques that have survived for 150 to 300 years in daily use and will remain so for our children’s children’s children.

There’s lot’s of talk about “Green” in the furniture industry these days.  Come to think of it, antiques are the ultimate “green” solution to furniture.  Why argue the definition of sustainable, growth rates of various strains of bamboo, carbon footprints or the cost of transportation from China?  Use stuff that already exists, made from trees harvested hundreds of years ago.  Second best is furniture made from re-cycled timbers.  Furniture made from timbers salvaged from old sheds, barns and factories has the antique look, generally a lower price point than antiques yet saves thousands of trees.

Antique furniture is well made, crafted from quality woods and, if properly maintained, will last for another two hundred years.  We don’t own antiques; we’re caretakers entrusted with the responsibility to preserve them for future generations.

Enjoyment and daily use of antiques carries a maintenance responsibility.  Periodic care, cleaning and necessary maintenance ensures that the piece will be available for generations to come.  Here are a few simple tips we’ve learned in nearly thirty years of answering customer questions:

• Daily dusting with a soft cloth is advisable.  Clean up with a barely moist soft cloth and avoid soapy water.  There is no need to “scrub” dining tables after every meal.
• Avoid commercial products like EndDust, Lemon Sudsy whatever and any spray product containing silicone.  Silicone attracts dust and causes a sticky mess over time.  Train housekeepers.
• Antique tables are made to be seen, used and enjoyed.  Nothing bugs me more than to walk into a home on Tuesday afternoon and see a beautiful antique table covered with pads or sheets “to protect it”; it may as well be plywood.  Leave the table exposed so you can enjoy its beauty every day.
• Place mats, trivets and coasters are made to protect finishes – use them.  Always use a hard placemat and a trivet for hot serving dishes.  This will prevent steam from damaging the table finish
• Just because a chest of drawers is 200 years old doesn’t mean that you need to wrestle with sticky or jammed drawers every time you need clean boxers.  Drawer glides are maintenance items, just like tires on a car – keep them in good repair.  It could be as simple as soap or candle wax on the glides.  Or if the glides are really worn, have them replaced by a competent professional.
• There are lots of home remedies for repairing finish damage – toothpaste, ashes, linseed oil and turpentine and a dozen other solutions.  The proper technique depends on the finish type and the skill of the restorer.  Unless you finished the table in the first place, protect your investment by calling a professional.
• Dining chairs “loosen up” periodically due to a cloddish guest or wood shrinkage caused by changes in humidity.  Repair them promptly to prevent serious damage or even injury to that cloddish guest (not necessarily a bad thing.)  Unless you are a skilled craftsman with the knowledge and tools (clamps, scrapers, proper glue) call a professional.

Hopefully these tips will save you some time and trouble.  Remember, antiques are for your enjoyment, make them a part of your daily routine!