In Video: Antique Fireplace Restoration

How antique fireplace restoration is undertaken

Fireplace restoration image by Aleksandrs Muiznieks (via Shutterstock).
A newly restored antique fireplace can look almost as good as new. Image by Aleksandrs Muiznieks (via Shutterstock).

Situated in the delightfully named Holy Bones in the city of Leicester, Britain’s Heritage work in a similar field to our company. They not only work in the furniture restoration business: another area of theirs is reproduction furniture. Fireplace restoration is a main field of theirs. The company was founded by Jeff and Julie Dennis in 1980. Continue reading “In Video: Antique Fireplace Restoration”

Queen Mary Restoration Bid Sets Sail

Water jetting and paint stripping forms part of TS Queen Mary restoration

TS Queen Mary, heading to Greenock on the 15 May 2016.
Homeward Bound: the soon-to-be-restored TS Queen Mary, heading to Greenock on the 14 May 2016. Image by Dave Souza (Creative Commons License – Attribution-Share Alike).

The restoration of an iconic leisure steamer has been given a boost by the donation of specialist coatings. Thanks to a campaign backed by the Sunday Mail newspaper (Scotland’s equivalent to the Sunday Mirror), TS Queen Mary could be seen on the Clyde estuary again. AkzoNobel and Jotun donated the coatings which shall see the vessel restored to its former glory. Continue reading “Queen Mary Restoration Bid Sets Sail”

Maintaining Your Outdoor Wooden Furniture During the Colder Months

outdoor wooden chair

Maintaining Your Outdoor Wooden Furniture During the Colder MonthsUnfortunately, winter will soon be upon us. The clocks have already changed and it is only a matter of time before we are forced to endure inclement weather conditions. Unfortunately, the same applies to any outdoor wooden furniture that we may possess. If not cared for properly, even the most beautiful pieces can quickly succumb to the harsh elements. This is why it is important to know some of the most effective care techniques. Let’s take a more in-depth look at three suggestions.

Sealing Porous Wood

One of the major culprits associated with decay and damage involves wood that has been exposed to moisture due to its natural porosity (imagine firewood that remains outside over the winter). This can result in warping, discolouration and splitting. It is therefore important that the surface is protected from such damages.

Before a sealant is applied, it is a good idea to remove any loose paint or other substances that could serve to inhibit the effectiveness of the sealant. The same holds true for any exterior windows and doors. If you have concerns about performing such task, it is always wise to contact our premium door stripping experts.

Avoid Coverings

Many consumers believe that covering their wooden furniture with tarps or other non-porous materials will keep them protected from the elements. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Substances such as plastic will actually cause moisture to remain trapped within. This can lead to mould growth and warping. It is much better to remove any furniture and store it within a shed or a garage.

Pressure Washing and Painting

Another popular method involves pressure washing the wood in order to remove any dirt or grime. Once the furniture has properly dried, it can be painted in order to provide a layer of protection. However, keep in mind that you should only use paint formulations that have been designed for exterior environments. There may also be times when more porous woods (such as oak or maple) will require more than one coat.

There is simply no reason why you should be forced to sacrifice your wooden furniture simply because old man winter is knocking at the door. The three methods above will provide superior results within a short period of time. If you require additional advice or should your items need to be stripped, please contact one of our representatives at your convenience.

The Oldest Furniture Stripper in Town

After 70 years, furniture stripper Carl Harden calls it a day

Furniture stripper image by Firma V
After 70 years of paint and primer fumes, furniture stripper Carl Harden has hung up his apron and placed the lids on his tins for the last time. Image by Firma V (via Shutterstock).

Back in 1946, the world was recovering from the spoils of the Second World War. The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was still at school; in two years time, he would move to Memphis, Tennessee (the rest as they say…). In the same year, Carmel ‘Carl’ Harden cut his teeth in furniture restoration. From 1946 to the end of this year, he spent most of his professional life as a furniture stripper.

Continue reading “The Oldest Furniture Stripper in Town”

The Best Wood Types For Outdoor Garden Furniture

The Best Wood Types For Outdoor Garden FurnitureOne of the most appealing aspects associated with wooden outdoor furniture is that each piece is inherently different. You can choose from different grains, colours and patterns. This rather personalised quality has always been a major selling point. However, you might not be aware that certain types of wood are better suited for the outdoors than others. Let’s take a quick look at three varieties that will provide years of beauty while requiring only minor upkeep.

Cypress

One interesting quality of cypress is that it contains chemicals that can protect against rot and insects. It is also unique in the fact that cypress will not normally require any type of sealant (such as a weatherproof stain). So, its natural beauty will always shine through. It is still wise to apply a thin coat of transparent oil from time to time to preserve its lustre.

Cedar

Cedar is a well-known option for natural wood and it is often used when constructing larger structures such as patio furniture and garden benches. The resins contained within its interior are almost completely waterproof and this wood is also very lightweight. So, moving your wooden garden furniture from one location to another will normally not present an issue.

Cedar also takes very well to most paints and stains. While not many consumers wish to paint natural cedar, it is still an important point to mention. If your house happens to contain cedar doors or windows, contact our door stripping services to restore their natural beauty.

Acacia

Acacia is a final choice to keep in mind; particularly if you are concerned about environmental sustainability. This is one of the most prolific types of wood on the planet, so there are few issues in regards to deforestation. This is also the same reason why acacia has been used to construct boats since ancient times.

Acacia is a lightweight wood and it is very resilient to the elements. Similar to cedar, it can be stained or painted if desired. It is still a good idea to apply a sealant at the very minimum, as this wood has been known to discolour if exposed to moisture over time.

These are three excellent choices if you have been hoping to encounter durable wooden outdoor furniture for your garden. They are also relatively cheap when compared to other variants such as mahogany; a notable benefit if you are on a budget.

What To Look For in a Paint Stripping Expert

What To Look For in a Paint Stripping ExpertProfessional paint stripping represents both an art form and a science. While there are many modern methods which will be employed, the fact of the matter is that real-world experience will ensure quality results. Have you been searching for reliable and dependable premium door stripping services? If so, there are several factors to take into account. What defines an expert firm and what qualities should you always determine from the very beginning?

Flexible Options

Some stripping firms will only deal with specific items (such as outdoor furniture or decks). Unfortunately, this does not provide the sense of malleability that you might require. Furthermore, this is often a sign that the firm in question does not possess a great deal of experience.

An Attention to Detail

Paint stripping is a highly precise procedure. Some pieces will need to be dealt with by hand while others might require more intensive processes such as caustic soda baths. The main takeaway point here is that the technicians must have an eye for detail. Stripping involves much more than the mechanical removal of paints, stains or dirt.

It necessitates a delicate hand as well as an appreciation for the tools that need to be used. The underlying wood could otherwise be severely damaged; resulting in costly repairs. Always look for a firm that is able to provide testimonials from previous customers. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to determine what you can expect.

An Understanding of the Different Types of Woods

Certain woods such as mahogany are known for their hardness and density. Others including cedar are rather soft and delicate. It should therefore be obvious that the stripping expert needs to possess an in-depth knowledge of how each wood should be addressed. This also might dictate which tools or chemicals should be used in order to achieve the best results. Once again, such a talent tends to be amalgamated over time. 

It is just as critical to determine the transparency of the expert firm in question. How easy is it to contact a representative? Are they willing to provide you with a no-obligation online quotation? What other types of stripping services to they offer? How long have they been in business? Obtaining a worthwhile stripping professional will take a bit of research and yet, such efforts will make all of the difference in the world when referring to the final results.