There is a lot of debate surrounding the topic of painting antique furniture. Some people believe that it does nothing but devalue the piece, while others maintain that it can breathe new life into an old item and even increase its value.
So, what’s the truth? Well, like most things in life, it depends on a case-by-case basis. We’ll take a look at some pros and cons of painting antique furniture and help you make your own decision on whether or not to take the plunge.
Painting an antique can devalue it, depending on the nature of the antique itself and also the type of painting that is done to it.
Cons of painting antique
One of the main arguments against painting antique furniture is that it damages the piece. Paint can chip and flake over time, especially if it’s not applied correctly, and this can ruin the look of an otherwise beautiful piece of furniture.
However, if you’re careful and use high-quality paint, this shouldn’t be a problem. Just be sure to hire a professional if you’re not confident in your own painting abilities.
Another con of painting antique furniture is that it can affect the value of the piece. If you plan on selling the piece down the line, potential buyers may be turned off by the fact that it’s been painted.
They may also be hesitant to pay as much for a painted piece as they would for an unpainted one. However, if you love the piece and don’t plan on selling it, this shouldn’t be a concern.
Pros of painting antique
Now, let’s take a look at some of the pros of painting antique furniture. One of the biggest advantages is that it can help to protect the piece from future damage.
Paint can act as a barrier against water, stains, and other types of wear and tear. This is especially important if you plan on using the piece on a daily basis.
Another big advantage of painting antique furniture is that it allows you to change the look of the piece without making any permanent changes. If you get tired of the color or simply want to change things up, you can easily repaint the piece.
This is much easier than trying to refinish or sand down the wood, which can be a very time-consuming and difficult process.
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to painting antique furniture. It’s important to weigh all the factors before making a decision. If you decide to paint, be sure to use high-quality paint and hire a professional if necessary.
And, most importantly, don’t do it simply for the sake of increasing the value of the piece – do it because you love it and want to give it a new lease on life.
Does refinishing antiques decrease value?
It is important to know how to refinish an antique the right way to maintain as much of the value as possible.
There are a few things you need to avoid when refinishing an antique: using the wrong type of paint, stripping too much of the original finish, and sanding too aggressively.
If you use the wrong type of paint, it can chip and flake over time.
Stripping too much of the original finish will also decrease the value of the piece.
Sanding too aggressively can damage the wood and ruin the integrity of the piece.
There are a few things you need to do when refinishing an antique: clean the piece thoroughly, repair any damage, and apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.
Cleaning the piece thoroughly will help the new paint or stain to adhere better and give the piece a fresh start.
Repairing any damage before you refinish will also help maintain the value of the piece.
Applying a fresh coat of paint or stain will help protect the piece from future damage and give it a new lease on life.
Refinishing an antique the right way can be time-consuming and difficult, but it is worth it to maintain the value of the piece.
Conclusion
If you love the piece and don’t plan on selling it, painting it is a great way to change the look without making any permanent changes.
Just be sure to use high-quality paint and hire a professional if necessary.
With a little bit of care and effort, you can refinish your antique furniture and keep it looking beautiful for years to come.
