When you sit in your mahogany armchair, do you feel like a king? Is your study furnished with antique cabinets, a desk, and stylish chairs from the late 19th century? Do you want to take regular care of your antiques to keep them looking beautiful for as long as possible and avoid costly restorations? Here, we share some of the most popular methods for preserving antique wooden furniture.

Applying Shellac to Antique Furniture

Shellac is a natural resin dissolved in ethyl alcohol, known for generations as a way to finish and protect wooden antiques. It is applied in fragile layers using circular motions with a soft cotton pad, which enhances the depth of color and highlights the wood grain. Each layer must be carefully dried before applying the next, requiring patience and precision. Shellac not only improves the appearance of old furniture but also protects it from moisture and dirt.

It is crucial to use original techniques and materials to maintain the authenticity of antiques. If the finish wears off or gets damaged, you can quickly restore the look by applying a fresh layer precisely where needed. The new shellac blends with the old, eliminating the need to strip the entire finish. At Antique Beauty, we have a professional restoration workshop and extensive experience in antique preservation.

Waxing Antique Furniture

Applying a thin layer of beeswax or synthetic wax is one of the most popular methods for preserving wooden antiques. After waxing, the wood gains a subtle shine, and dust and moisture have a harder time penetrating the surface. Wax enhances the wood’s texture and gives it a warm, satin sheen that looks both natural and elegant. This process takes less time than shellac application, but it needs to be repeated—ideally every 6 to 12 months, depending on how often and where the furniture is used. A soft cloth or brush is best for applying wax, and after drying, polishing the surface ensures an even and smooth finish. However, too much wax can dull the shine and make the wood look matte, so moderation is key.

Oiling Antiques

Oiling is a simple way to protect wooden antiques using natural oils like linseed or tung oil. These substances penetrate deep into the wood, strengthening it from within and protecting it from moisture, dirt, and minor damage. After oiling, the wood takes on a matte finish, and its color and texture become more pronounced. To apply oil, use a brush or cloth, then thoroughly wipe the surface to remove any excess and allow it to dry naturally. This maintenance should be repeated every 6 to 12 months, depending on how frequently the furniture is used. Oiling is particularly effective for tables, chairs, and other items that are subject to daily handling and wear. Regular application extends the furniture’s lifespan and helps preserve its natural beauty.

Lacquering Antique Furniture

Lacquering involves applying a protective coat of lacquer to the furniture’s surface, forming a hard layer that conserves the piece. This treatment enhances resistance to moisture, dirt, and scratches. The type of lacquer used affects the final appearance, allowing for a matte or high-gloss finish. Before lacquering, the wood must be thoroughly sanded and cleaned to ensure proper adhesion and an even coating. It is essential to apply lacquer under the right conditions—excess humidity or low temperatures can ruin the result. If an old cabinet or antique sideboard starts to dull, crack, or show signs of wear, refreshing the lacquer may be necessary after 10–15 years. For frequently used furniture, such as tables and desks, reapplication may be needed sooner, but generally no more than once every few years.

Deworming of Old Furniture

Antique furniture is often susceptible to wood-boring insects such as the common furniture beetle or powderpost beetle, which tunnel into the wood and cause internal damage. These pests particularly target damp and poorly protected wood, especially if the furniture has been stored in an attic, basement, or humid environment. Small holes and fine dust on the surface are telltale signs of an infestation. To eliminate these pests, special biocidal treatments are injected into the holes, rubbed onto the wood, or applied using a vacuum-pressure method.

In some cases, fumigation—exposing the furniture to gas—is used to kill all insect stages, including larvae and eggs. After proper pest control, antique furniture regains its durability and is safe from further infestations. This is a fundamental conservation step that should be completed before any restoration work.

Did you know that a 19th-century antique table can cost between 4,000 and 10,000 PLN? If you own such a treasure, it’s worth knowing how to preserve it properly. We recommend regular oiling, lacquering, shellac application, and pest control. These treatments protect old furniture from deterioration and help it endure for years to come. If you have any restoration questions or are looking to add another masterpiece to your collection, we invite you to visit our showroom at Antique Beauty.