How to restore antique furniture
  • 1. What is the FIRST step in restoring antique furniture?
A) Repairing loose joints
B) Stripping the finish
C) Applying a new finish
D) Assessment of the piece's condition
  • 2. Which of the following is NOT a consideration during the assessment phase?
A) Structural integrity
B) Current market value after restoration
C) Original finish
D) Type of wood
  • 3. What is the purpose of documentation before starting restoration?
A) To inflate the value of the piece
B) To show off your skills
C) Only for insurance purposes
D) Provides a record of the original condition for future reference
  • 4. Which stripping method is generally considered the safest for delicate antiques?
A) Using a heat gun
B) Aggressive sanding
C) Sandblasting
D) Chemical stripping with careful monitoring
  • 5. What is the purpose of a neutralizer after chemical stripping?
A) To remove sanding dust
B) To make the wood shinier
C) To add color to the wood
D) To stop the chemical reaction and prevent damage
  • 6. What is veneer?
A) A structural component of furniture
B) A type of wood stain
C) A thin layer of wood adhered to a substrate
D) A type of wood glue
  • 7. How should loose veneer be reattached?
A) Using nails
B) Using hide glue and clamping
C) Using screws
D) Using super glue
  • 8. What type of glue is generally preferred for antique furniture repair?
A) Polyurethane glue
B) Epoxy
C) Cyanoacrylate (super glue)
D) Hide glue
  • 9. Why is hide glue preferred for antique furniture?
A) It is waterproof
B) It is the strongest type of glue
C) It dries the fastest
D) It is reversible and compatible with original materials
  • 10. What is 'French polishing'?
A) A technique of applying shellac finish
B) A method of applying wax
C) A brand of furniture polish
D) A type of wood carving
  • 11. What is a common solvent used in French polishing?
A) Mineral spirits
B) Acetone
C) Water
D) Denatured alcohol
  • 12. What is the purpose of 'toning' a finish?
A) To make the finish more glossy
B) To make the finish harder
C) To protect the wood from scratches
D) To adjust the color of the wood
  • 13. Which of the following is NOT a type of wood filler?
A) Stick shellac
B) Paste wood filler
C) Shellac
D) Epoxy filler
  • 14. What is the purpose of using a grain filler?
A) To remove imperfections from the wood
B) To fill open pores in the wood before finishing
C) To add color to the wood
D) To protect the wood from moisture
  • 15. What is the purpose of applying a sealant or primer?
A) To make the wood stronger
B) To create a smooth and even surface for the finish
C) To remove imperfections from the wood
D) To add color to the wood
  • 16. Which of these is an appropriate method for cleaning old hardware?
A) Sandblasting
B) Gentle cleaning with soap and water
C) Boiling in vinegar
D) Using harsh chemical cleaners
  • 17. Why is it important to document all work done during restoration?
A) To show off your skills
B) For bragging rights
C) To maintain provenance and value
D) Just for personal records
  • 18. What is 'patina'?
A) A protective coating
B) The natural aging and wear on a surface
C) A type of glue
D) A type of wood stain
  • 19. When should you consider replacing hardware on antique furniture?
A) If it doesn't match the current decor
B) If it is tarnished
C) Only if it is severely damaged or missing
D) Whenever you want to update the look
  • 20. What is the purpose of waxing a finished piece of furniture?
A) To strengthen the wood
B) To remove scratches
C) To protect the finish and add luster
D) To add color to the wood
  • 21. What type of wax is generally recommended for antique furniture?
A) Beeswax
B) Soy wax
C) Paraffin wax
D) Microcrystalline wax
  • 22. Which of the following should NOT be used on antique furniture?
A) Linseed oil
B) Paste wax
C) Silicone-based polishes
D) Beeswax polish
  • 23. Why are silicone-based polishes harmful to antique furniture?
A) They attract dust.
B) They are too abrasive.
C) They can penetrate the finish and make future repairs difficult.
D) They are too expensive.
  • 24. What is the purpose of clamping furniture after gluing?
A) To protect the glue from air.
B) To apply pressure for a strong bond.
C) To keep the furniture clean.
D) To make the glue dry faster.
  • 25. How long should furniture be clamped after gluing?
A) 1 hour.
B) According to the glue manufacturer's instructions.
C) 3 hours.
D) Until the glue is dry to the touch.
  • 26. What is a 'dovetail joint'?
A) A type of veneer.
B) A decorative carving.
C) A strong interlocking joint used in drawers.
D) A type of hinge.
  • 27. What tool is commonly used to repair loose rungs in chairs?
A) A chisel.
B) A hammer.
C) A rung stretcher.
D) A screwdriver.
  • 28. What is the ideal environment for storing antique furniture?
A) Very dry conditions.
B) High humidity.
C) Direct sunlight.
D) Stable temperature and humidity.
  • 29. When is it appropriate to completely refinish an antique?
A) If it's slightly faded.
B) Whenever you want to change the color.
C) Only when the original finish is severely damaged and beyond repair.
D) Every few years for maintenance.
  • 30. What is the ethical consideration when restoring antiques?
A) To modernize it to current trends.
B) To increase its resale value at all costs.
C) To preserve the original character and history.
D) To make it look brand new.
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