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