Restoration of art and antiques

Cleaning and maintaining antiques, heirlooms, precious metals, and gemstones require care to maintain their timeless shine. A small overview of care and cleaning tips should not be missing on treasure value. We are trying to expand the list.
These are tips from collectors that are good and valuable, but in case of doubt and in the case of particularly valuable antiques and valuables: a professional restoration by a specialist is preferred.

Restoration of old furniture

Furniture made of solid wood often has a high value, so the maintenance of antique cupboards or chairs is particularly useful to keep the old furniture in good condition. Every year, the furniture should be looked after with special antique wax, which is available in specialist shops. This allows the surface of the wood to be refined and refreshed. Specific cleaning milk is also offered for the different types of wood, it is important to know when choosing whether it is a polished or a matt wooden surface. Another tip for the dedusting of upholstery and leather furniture is to put on a cloth soaked in vinegar water and then knock it off, a real dust catcher. The leather furniture should then be treated with a mixture of egg white and vegetable oil. Antique furniture should be in a room with about 15 degrees, please avoid intense sunlight. If wooden furniture has a water stain, a mixture of salt and sunflower oil helps. Wipe off after a short soak.

Restoration of stamps

In order to keep stamps beautiful for a long time, it is necessary to keep them in a special album. There are various boards made of transparent plastic film in which the brands can be inserted carefully. In this way, the fragile teeth of the stamps are protected and preserved, which is particularly important for the collector’s value. In addition, the stamps in a film are also protected against dust and fading if the stamp album should be laid out open. Treating the stamp with chemicals is disadvantageous, as the color or any stamps could become detached, which can cause the stamp to lose value. The application of a protective layer directly on the postage stamp is also unfavorable. In their original condition, stamps have the highest value and can therefore only be distinguished from counterfeits.

Restoration of paintings

To prevent stretching or shrinking, care should be taken to ensure that the humidity is correct when the picture is displayed. It is also important to ensure that the room temperature is adequate, otherwise, paintings can lose their elasticity and, at worst, become brittle and cracked. The guide values ​​are at a temperature of around 18 ° C and general air humidity of 54%. However, the values ​​may vary depending on the material used, so it is always necessary to check which materials are used for valuable paintings. Furthermore, the lighting of paintings should be chosen with care, an illuminance of at most 150 LUX is recommended. The LUX unit describes the amount of light per square meter. Once a painting has been damaged, it has to be restored in a complex and costly manner. Home remedy tip: If the painting does not show signs of age, the dust can be carefully wiped off with a piece of light bread.

Restoration of Clocks,

Generally speaking, watches should be inspected about every five years. Greases in the clockwork can evaporate or stick together despite the best processing. Abrasion can form in the movement itself, this should be removed on this occasion. If seals are out of date, they become porous and must be replaced. Do not use solvents or other harsh detergents for cleaning the exterior of clocks, as this could damage the watch glass and other components. If there are scratches, it is advisable to replace the part in question, as bumps can damage the watch. If a pointer comes off, this can usually be fixed quickly. Repairs are more complicated if the movement is affected.

Restoration of Cameras

The camera should always be switched off before changing the lens so that less dust is attracted by the sensor. Any dust on the back of the lens can be removed with a blower; only lint-free cloths, such as microfiber cloths, should be used for cleaning. It is also advisable to quickly close the lens mount again, either with a new lens or with a suitable housing cover. The environment does not have to be sterile but should be as dust and sand as possible. If the camera bag is cleaned regularly, less dirt gets on or into the camera. If memory cards, batteries, or other accessories are kept loose in the bag at the same time, the housing of the camera can be scratched or pressed in.

Professional restoration by a specialist applies to very valuable pieces and for cracks and scratches (paintings, antique furniture)

Restoration of valuable textiles

Tips: Kaisernatron is recommended as a home remedy
Carpets: home remedies are undyed shaving foam, baking soda, with expensive carpets it is probably safe to bring them to professional cleaning.

Restoration of glasses and porcelain

Crystal glass: Avoid the dishwasher and heat, hand washing recommended
Porcelain: Stains from coffee and tea residues can be cleaned with salt, lemon or toothpaste, and a damp cloth. However, the use of vitamin C tablets has also been proposed.

Restoration of precious metals

Bronze: turpentine and rag, clean gently
Silver: Enrich warm water with salt, chop aluminum foil and place in the basin and add the silverware, then polish. Silver soap, chalk with alcohol, and ultrasound is also suitable. The tarnished silver can be cleaned by placing it in sour milk.
Gold: baking soda and toothpaste as a home remedy, ultrasound equipment, and dishwashing liquid
Copper: toothpaste as a home remedy
Platinum: Detergent, hot water, and ultrasound, if the object consists only of platinum, more aggressive cleaning agents can also be used.

Restoration of gemstones:

hard toothbrushes and glass cleaners are a popular home remedy.

The tips are based on the experience of collectors.
Use it at your own risk.

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