REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE TODAY THROUGH OUR ONLINE FORM

Finish Restoration and Surface Repair for Antique Furniture in Atlanta

Request a Personalized Finish Assessment for Your Antique Furniture Today

Over time, the finish on antique and vintage furniture can become scratched, faded, or uneven due to age, environmental exposure, or everyday use. At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, we specialize in professional finish restoration and surface repair to revive the natural beauty of wood surfaces while preserving their historical character. Whether your piece requires light polishing, gentle sanding, protective sealing, or complete surface refinishing, our team uses conservation-safe materials and traditional techniques to ensure both protection and authenticity.


Our services are ideal for antique chairs, tables, cabinets, and heirloom wood pieces with worn finishes or visible surface damage. Using museum-grade products, custom color matching, and hand-applied coatings, we restore your furniture's surface without compromising its age, value, or craftsmanship. We proudly serve Atlanta, GA, and surrounding areas with tailored care for every antique.

What Is Surface Treatment and Finish Protection?

Finish restoration and surface repair refers to the careful renewal and protection of the visible surfaces of antique furniture. Unlike structural repair, which addresses the internal frame or joints, this service focuses on reviving the aesthetic qualities—such as color, luster, and smoothness—while defending against further wear.


At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, surface repair may include precision sanding, hand-applied polish, wax or oil finishes, protective varnishes, or custom-blended stain applications. These techniques are designed to correct surface-level damage like scratches, fading, and finish loss while preserving the original character and patina of the piece.


Surface protection is critical for extending the life of antique furniture by shielding it from moisture, UV exposure, and physical wear—preventing costly restoration needs down the line.

Types of Surface Treatments We Offer

At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, we provide a full range of surface treatment and finish protection services to help preserve and enhance the appearance of antique and vintage furniture. Each treatment is selected based on the piece’s condition, material, and historical value:

Sanding of Antique Furniture

Carefully removes old finishes, surface-level damage, and uneven wear while preserving carvings and original contours.

Polishing (Oil, Wax, Matte, Smooth Finishes)

We offer multiple polishing techniques, from traditional wax polishing to oil polishing and matte or gloss finishes, each chosen to suit the wood type and desired look.

Varnishing and Sealing

Protective varnishes and sealants help defend the surface against moisture, dirt, and wear—ideal for high-use antique tables or cabinets.

Conservation-Safe Painting

When appropriate, we apply period-accurate or custom paint finishes using methods that respect the age and value of the piece.

Color Matching and Finish Blending

We expertly match stains, glazes, and original finishes to ensure that repairs and new coatings blend seamlessly with existing tones.

All restoration is performed by skilled artisans using museum-grade products, hand tools, and a preservation-first mindset.

To explore additional antique restoration options, visit our Restoration Services page.

Our Process for Restoring Antique Finishes

Restoring the finish on antique furniture requires precision, care, and respect for the original materials. At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, we follow a detailed, conservation-safe process to ensure each piece is protected, enhanced, and historically preserved:

Initial Evaluation

We begin by examining the condition of the existing finish, looking for signs of fading, scratches, cracking, or previous overcoating.

Surface Cleaning and Preparation

Dirt, residue, and wax buildup are gently removed using non-invasive, wood-safe cleaners to reveal the true condition of the surface.

Controlled Sanding or Abrasion

When appropriate, we use fine-grade sanding techniques to smooth the surface, remove old finish layers, and prepare the wood for treatment—always preserving carvings and detailing.

Color Matching and Stain Application

If needed, we apply custom-matched stains or toners to refresh faded areas or unify discolored surfaces.

Finish Application

Depending on the piece, we apply hand-rubbed oil finishes, traditional wax coatings, or varnishes for long-term protection and enhanced visual appeal.

Protective Topcoat (Optional)

For pieces that will be in active use, we may recommend a clear sealant or lacquer for added moisture resistance and durability.

Final Inspection and Blending

The entire surface is reviewed for uniformity, luster, and historical accuracy. Touch-ups are made as needed to ensure a flawless, yet natural finish.

This step-by-step approach ensures your antique wood furniture is not only visually restored, but also protected from future damage—without compromising its originality or value.

Signs Your Furniture May Need Surface Repair

Not sure if your antique furniture requires restoration? Look for these signs:

Fading or Discoloration

Sun exposure, age, and oxidation can dull the original stain or color of antique wood furniture.

Scratches, Scuffs, or Surface Wear

Frequent use or accidental contact can leave visible marks in the wood or finish layer.

Cracking, Peeling, or Flaking Finish

These are signs that the original varnish or sealant is deteriorating and no longer protecting the wood.

Uneven or Blotchy Appearance

Moisture damage or improper cleaning can cause uneven texture, gloss levels, or color.

Loss of Luster or Soft Sheen

Antique furniture that once had a beautiful natural shine may appear flat, cloudy, or lifeless over time.

Sticky or Dry Surface

Changes in humidity or the breakdown of old finishes can make surfaces tacky, dry, or brittle to the touch.

Desire to Match a New Finish

If you’re incorporating a restored piece into a new space, we can color-match and blend finishes to suit your interior while preserving authenticity.

If any of these issues are present, it may be time to schedule professional surface repair to prevent further degradation.

Why Choose Us for Antique Furniture Finish Restoration

At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, we know that every finish tells a story. Our goal is to preserve that story while enhancing your antique’s durability and visual character through expert, non-invasive treatments.


Here’s why clients across Atlanta and surrounding areas trust us to restore and protect their antique wood surfaces:

Deep Knowledge of Historic Finishes

We understand the differences between shellac, lacquer, varnish, oil, and wax finishes—and how to handle each properly.

Non-Invasive, Reversible Methods

We use conservation-first techniques that are designed to be non-invasive and reversible, meaning treatments can be safely undone if needed—protecting the original finish, patina, and value of your antique furniture.

Custom Color Matching

Whether blending a touch-up or completely refinishing a surface, we match tones and sheens with expert precision.

Skilled Hand Application

All work is performed by experienced artisans using traditional tools, hand-applied finishes, and museum-grade products.

Tailored Service for Each Piece

No two antiques are the same. We adapt our sanding, polishing, and finishing process to suit each item’s age, species, and condition.

We don’t just restore surfaces—we restore confidence that your furniture is protected, beautiful, and ready to be enjoyed for years to come.

Request a Finish Restoration Assessment Today

If your antique furniture has lost its glow or is showing signs of wear, our team is ready to help. At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, we offer free personalized assessments to determine the best restoration method—whether it’s light polishing, stain correction, or full surface refinishing.


Using non-invasive and conservation-safe techniques, we restore beauty and protection while honoring your piece’s history. Let us bring out the best in your antique—without losing what makes it special.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION


When it comes to restoring and protecting the finish of antique furniture, many clients have questions about what's safe, what's reversible, and what options exist for various levels of surface wear. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about sanding, polishing, varnishing, and finish preservation to help you make confident, informed decisions for your heirloom pieces.


Can antique furniture be sanded and refinished without losing value?

Yes—when done by professionals using conservation-safe methods, sanding and refinishing can enhance both appearance and longevity without diminishing value. At Restoration Antique Furniture Atlanta, we use fine-grade sanding and hand-applied finishes that respect the age, wood type, and patina of the original piece.

What’s the difference between waxing and polishing antique wood?

Waxing adds a protective layer with a soft sheen and helps nourish the wood, while polishing enhances surface shine and removes light blemishes. We often combine both depending on the needs of the piece. Each method is selected based on finish type, wood condition, and historical accuracy.

How often should antique furniture be refinished or treated?

Unlike modern furniture, antique pieces should not be refinished frequently. However, light surface treatment like waxing or polishing may be needed every 1–3 years, depending on use and exposure. Full refinishing should only be done when the original finish is failing or no longer protecting the wood.

Do you use original materials or modern finishes?

We use period-appropriate materials whenever possible, including shellac, oil finishes, and waxes. For added protection or color matching, we may use conservation-approved modern finishes that are reversible and safe for antiques.

Will refinishing change the color or character of my antique furniture?

Only if desired. We offer custom color matching to blend repairs seamlessly or adjust tone as needed. Our focus is on enhancing natural beauty while maintaining the original character of the wood.

What does antique furniture restoration involve?

Antique furniture restoration can involve a wide range of services, depending on the piece’s condition. On this page, we focus on surface restoration, which includes sanding, polishing, refinishing, waxing, and sealing to restore the outer appearance and protect the finish. Full restoration may also include structural repairs, reupholstery, or carving and molding repair, which are offered as separate services. Our approach is always tailored to preserve the piece’s original character, value, and craftsmanship.

Service Area


Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Roswell, Brookhaven, Decatur, Dunwoody, Johns Creek, East Cobb, Marietta, Tucker, Chamblee, Vinings, Mableton

Support

restorationsh@antiquerenewatl.com

ruslan@antiquerenewatl.com

Hours Of Operation

Monday - Saturday 7 am-10pm

Sunday - Closed

©2025. All Rights Reserved.

Site managed by LeadMode Digital MK

Scroll to Top