Preserving the Patina of Old Woodwork

Urban Revivals will take great care to restore the original patina of your wood in any refinishing or repair job. We are familiar with historic finishes, and will spot-test your furniture or woodwork to ensure no damage occurs through the application of any paints, finishes, or solvents. Urban Revivals can test for shellacs, varnishes, milk-based, casein, alkyd, or latex paints, varnishes, polyurethanes, and even applications of glues and resin-based sealants. Prior to spot-testing, the entire surface will be cleaned of its grime and any wax polish, and tested with mineral spirits and linseed oil. After this, and several other tests, the nature of the finish can be fully determined.

The dresser shown here was discovered at Ruff-n-Ready in Washington, D.C. and was covered in layers of grime so deep that no burling of the wood was apparent. Its beautiful luster was restored over the period of a week.  The ebonized table, at left, was recently featured in PaintPro magazine.

View our latest antique restoration project! Click Here  View our latest exterior restoration door, on a large cedar carriage door

We also do wood graining. Visit our graining page to learn more about getting a whole new look for your furniture or walls.

Urban Revivals will prepare new wood with light sanding to remove any water stains or burrs. We generally prefer using water-based stains, but can use oil-based stains (which have some risk of bleeding into oil-based varnishes). We can also repair scrathes, and match stains with existing stains.  Gouges and deep scratches are not generally repaired unless specifically requested by the client. Urban Revivals can work with you to restore a preexisting finish, or to select a new finish with gloss level that meets your tastes. Restoration of Chinese lacquerwork is shown at left.

Restoring Chipped Paint and Furniture Imagery. Our work is not restricted to wood restoration, but also applies to the paint finishes on decorative pieces, such as these Chinese screens whose images were 25% chipped away, and Victorian wicker.

Contact us for your furniture refinishing needs.