Description
More ‘Before and After’ photos coming soon
Jamie Allpress and Shane Smith have been bringing pre-loved fine furniture back to life for 80 years between them. Restoring furniture in the correct way is very important.
If you would like some advice or an idea on how much a piece would cost to restore you can visit us at our store, call 9824 8551 or email with photos of the piece – jamie@allpress-antiques.com.au
What is French polishing?
Furniture restoration has been part of my life since the late 1970s, I started after school at the local antique shop aged 11. Now about to turn 51, thats a long time… Not over restoring is the most important aspect of my trade. It’s easy to strip and repolish a piece, however doing so can ruin the originality and important patina of the piece. Retaining the original finish is what we specialise in. Its also much more affordable restoring in this way. If something is decayed too far or painted, then we can strip and re-finish the pieces, however in more of a subtle way, rather than highly restored so the piece looks new! Once we have completed restoring a piece, the shine is generally very high, however we dull back the high shine and usually build a softer wax finish, to soften the shine and give the well maintained look. When restoring 19th Century French furniture or Victorian pieces we generally finish in a higher shine, suiting the period.
French polishing or wax finishing, if applied correctly, enhances a tired finish and brings timbers and veneers back to life. The furniture we restore can take pride of place and complete your home once again.
Services we provide
FURNITURE REPAIR
Chair repair and re-gluing
Broken spindle and stretcher repair or replacement
Veneer re-gluing and replacement
Cracks and splits filled with wood shims
Repairs to chewed furniture
Fabrication of missing parts
Inlay and carving repair
Case furniture repair
Drawer runner repair
Repairing broken table legs
GILDING
Gold leaf
Touch up
Frame restoration
Gesso and carving repair
FURNITURE HARDWARE
Removing old polish paste
Cleaning and high-lighting
Full metal polishing
Missing hardware replaced
Keys made to fit locks
Hinge repair and alignment
“Antiquing” new hardware
GENERAL SERVICES
In-home polishing and minor repairs
Restoration estimates
Pick up and delivery
REPLACEMENT SERVICES
Cane seat replacement
Rush seat replacement
Desk leather replacement
Felt replacement
Glass and mirror replacement
FINISHES AND POLISHING
Cleaning and basic polishing
Touch up and blending in repairs
Removing wax build up
Waxing table tops
Stain and water mark removal
Scratches and gouges touched up
Reconditioning existing finishes
Period and hand rubbed finishes
French polishing
Refinishing (if needed)
Oil and varnish finishes
Lacquer finishes
Shellac and wax finishes
Painted finishes
Exterior door refinishing
“Antiquing” new woven seats
Staining and color matching