It’s not just about the work of refinishing—it’s about knowing what to look for⤵️ First, let’s break down the numbers: We purchased this armoire as part of a four-piece bedroom suite that included a queen-size bed, a marble-top dresser, and a smaller marble-top washstand. The entire set was $1,500, so each piece came out to $375. We sold this armoire for $6,000 after approximately 18 hours of cleaning and reviving the original finish. We used about $25 worth of products, bringing our total expenses to $400. That means we earned a profit of $5,600 When flipping antiques, the real skill is recognizing value in pieces others may overlook. You need to train your eye to spot the things that matter: understanding the types of joinery that indicate quality craftsmanship, identifying the era of furniture to get an idea of its age, and knowing how to evaluate whether a piece is worth restoring in the first place. For this armoire, we made minor repairs, respectfully cleaned it with a gentle solution of water and Dawn dish soap, and revived its old finish using Howard’s Restor-A-Finish and Feed-N-Wax. Water and Dawn are safe when used sparingly. Always make sure to wipe back any excess to prevent the wood from becoming waterlogged, which could lead to damage. We used a few different blending products to cover repairs and match them to the existing finish, creating smooth transitions that kept the piece looking seamless. Products like Restor-A-Finish are particularly helpful in enhancing the aged character. Preserving the original finish can help to keep the piece's value high. Over-refinishing can erase its history and unique character, which are key factors in its worth. However, some pieces do gain value by being completely refinished—it’s all about educating yourself on what those determining factors are.
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