The Complete Guide to Repairing & Restoring Furniture by: William Cook

ACC-2012-9781780191447-X2

Collector Bookstore is a retailer of new books located in Leavenworth, Kansas. We specialize in price guides and reference books for the antiques and collectibles industry.

Table of Contents

From the finest pieces to more everyday items, antique furniture will at some time need attention to treat minor scratches, dents or water marks or more complicated structural damage. This lavishly illustrated and informative book, written by and photographed in one of the world's leading workshops, shows how this is achieved using traditional materials, tools and techniques. Easy-to-follow steps are illustrated along with invaluable tips that have been passed down through generations of restorers, giving the reader the confidence to begin restoring their own pieces.

The chapter on Tools, Equipment and Materials includes a directory of the tools and materials essential to the restorer, from saws and measuring devices to turning tools and labour-saving machinery, and from polishes and glues to upholstery materials and handles. There is also invaluable advice on setting up a workshop and collecting and storing veneers and timber for repairs.

The chapter on Surfaces and Finishes looks at the everyday problems of scratches, dents and water marks and also the specialist techniques of gilding, graining and how to repair veneers, parquetry and marquetry.

Chairs are treated to many stresses and strains and the next chapter explains how to correct weakened joints, repair broken backs and legs, replace carving, renew upholstery and recane a chair.

A section on tables looks at the typical damage these items of furniture may be subject to and shows how to correct a warped card table, restore delicate fretwork, replace brackets and attend to unslightly splits in table tops.

Finally, a chapter on chests and cabinets present a variety of problems that are unique to them. This section explains how to replace drawer runners and stops, refit and reglaze doors and how to completely dismantle a carcass and put it back together.

With information on the history and construction of furniture, this uniquely practical manual will enable any budding restorer to learn the skills required, and to enjoy the immense satisfaction that comes from seeing an old or damaged piece of antique furniture restored once again to its original glory.

Over 1200 colour photographs