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