Restoring and Cleaning Antique Wood

For many years I was an antique dealer and learned many tricks to restore antiques to their beautiful state. Two of the best products I found are Restor-a-finish and Shield Paste Wax both from Howard. These products will bring new life to old antique furniture and wood shelves.

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Howard Restore-A-Finish

Restor-A-Finish penetrates and permanently restores most wood finishes without removing any of the existing finish. Restor-A-Finish maintains the original ‘patina’ of an antique finish, maintaining its character and value as an antique. White heat rings, watermarks, sun fade, oxidation, smoke damage, and most other blemishes can be quickly blended away with this simple wipe-on, wipe-off process.  It comes in 9 colors so you can choose the color you need. For my Barnwood shelves, I choose a walnut finish. Without taking away from the “old, distressed” wood it brightens and deepens the color. Restor is super simple to use: clean wood using a damp rag. Using a rag or paintbrush apply Restor. Let dry. Add a second coat if desired. Remove excess with a second rag.  Let dry.  Restore-a-Finish Walnut

Howard Citrus-Shield Premium Paste Wax

Citrus-Shield Premium Paste Wax is excellent for polishing and protecting wood finishes on antiques, furniture, cabinets, paneling, and wood floors. Enhances the natural beauty of the wood grain, and buffs to a brilliant, long-lasting shine. Contains the perfect blend of Brazilian carnauba wax, beeswax, orange oil, and special surfactants. Can also be used on unfinished wood where an easy application and a beautiful, natural-looking finish is desired. Citrus-Shield is a great follow-up to Howard Restor-A-Finish. When the Restor is completely dry use a clean rag to apply the citrus wax rubbing into the grain. Buff the wood until you remove most of the wax.  Citrus-Shield – Neutral

Shelves and cabinets provide storage but it is also an opportunity to show off some of the favorites that you have collected over the years. It’s also a place to “change it up” for holidays by adding a few well-chosen seasonal decorations. Here are a few tips on Displaying Dishes & Collectibles

After restoring the shelves I decided to bring my live edge bench inside to use as a coffee table. Isn’t it gorgeous? You could never tell that it has spent months outside in the heat and cold.