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