Saturday, March 21, 2015

Polishing antiques


For the last few days I've been polishing all the antiques in my home.

There's a right way and a wrong way to care for them.

Bad:

Oil

Good:

wax

There's hundreds if not thousands of websites that will tell you the reasons, but this link is the best one that I found.

It's a time consuming job, but one that will last about a year, with just a wipe down or a flick of the feather duster once a week.

My great grandmother's hutch is a great example of how it works.

This is what it looked like last month:


It was kind of dull and it had been about a year since I had waxed it.

First, I took everything off....


and here it is all nekked:


This is the wax I use:


Cautionary note:

It has turpentine in it, so if you smoke, don't light up a cigarette while using it or you'll catch yourself on fire, and if you use it on a wood mantel, wait a day or two before you light that puppy up or you might burn the house down.


Here is the hutch with the bottom waxed and polished, and the top untouched, so you can see the difference:


And here it is all finished with everything put back:


If you're wondering what that brown furry thing is underneath, Bubba likes to have a "bubba nest" next to the heating vent :)

Anyway, big difference, huh?


A few closeups while we're here...

See the tulips on the secret drawer?








The big plates were my mom's that she collected from Franklin Porcelain in 1979. 

Each one depicts a month in the year.


The bird casserole dish was my moms, the two tea service sets were my great grandmothers, the little plates were my grandmothers on my dad's side and the rest has been collected by me over the years.


Oh and hold on to your pants, because I actually have two springtime decorations!

One:


And two:


Exciting, right?!

I guess not, but I do have flowers all around the house right now, so that should make up for my lack of Spring decor ;)


Daffodils were $1.75 for a bunch at Safeway, this last week!





The daises were a splurge, but I love them :)





Now the rest of it needs to get polished.... sigh. 

But, in the end it'll be worth it :)

xo
rue


PS

I've decided to not answer back every single comment on my posts and just answer questions when they're asked, which I still have to do at this moment from at least 3 posts back. I regret having to do this, but it was really time consuming! Besides, I'm not sure you see them anyway, since I never check back on the blogs I comment on, so I figure that you don't either and some of you had mentioned that. 

Instead, I'll just visit those of you that have blogs, which I love doing anyway, and answer those that don't have blogs on my posts or email back if I can :)

I do want to say though....
Thank you so much for all the sweet words that you write every time I post. 
It truly warms my heart.

I really mean that :)

57 comments:

  1. It looks beautiful, and I love your plate collection. I waxed my dining room table once and it looked really nice, because it hid fine scratches in the wood, but then I was worried about build up. Does wax build up, or no, if you wax under the conditions that you wax? I knew it was flammable, but I didn't realize how flammable. I know not to put a rag in the trash, because when I was young my mom use to tell me what her dad did. It's combustible. That's a good policy about comments. I comment to everyone, but I also visit their blogs, but then I worry what if they didn't post that day; I might forget them. So, I've been responding. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The wax from what my research has said is that it doesn't build up and that it actually protects it.

      I rarely throw my rags away and if I do they go outside. I actually wash them together with a great deal of bleach.

      I'm not sure what to do about comments, but I'm trying to figure it out as best I can :)

      xoxo

      Delete
  2. It's so gratifying when everything is shiny and clean, but the work to get there take some going doesn't it! So well done on this job, another tick for you. I keep looking around and saying I really must get on now but then we have a cloudy day and I think, maybe not. I will get there I promise. I am trying to re-programme myself on just visiting the blogs that have commented, rather than reply to the comment AND visit the blog as I too am finding it hard to keep up. It's hard sometimes to know what is right and what is wrong. Have a wonderful Sunday xx

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  3. That is a lovely old piece and your collections in it are very nice too.

    Happy Spring ~ FlowerLady

    P.S. I don't answer every comment either, did in the beginning, but it was just too much. I do visit commenters blogs though and leave comments there.

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  4. Such beautiful pieces and lovingly cared for :)

    PS: I don't answer comments to bloggers unless it's a question either. I answer the ones that only have emails / don't have blogs. You are right...unless it is a question I doubt that anyone visits back though they visit each other's blogs when time permits.

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  5. Such beautiful pieces and lovingly cared for :)

    PS: I don't answer comments to bloggers unless it's a question either. I answer the ones that only have emails / don't have blogs. You are right...unless it is a question I doubt that anyone visits back though they visit each other's blogs when time permits.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Rue! I've always love your hutch and it does look so gorgeous waxed. You must be a good duster too to get all of that dust out of every little crevice. The plates are just lovely and those little bunnies - I have them too and their mommy! Wish I could find some daffodils at that price as they are beautiful.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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    Replies
    1. I think we all had those bunnies at one time, back in the day, Shelia. I still love them :)

      xo

      Delete
  7. I will have to find some of this wax. Your hutch is absolutely spectacular! You have so many lovely things. What a blessing! Have a beautiful Sunday.

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  8. Waxed or unwaxed, that is one gorgeous piece! Lucky girl!

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  9. "I've decided to not answer back every single comment on my posts..."

    wisdom!!!! personally, I have disliked this "newfangled ability" since Blogger adopted it. who returns a second time, to see if one's comments, have been commented on????????

    and actually. being perfectly frank... all it does is inflate a blogs number-of-comments.

    thank you for making this decision. :-)

    now, all we need, is more and more bloggers to follow! and we will have returned blogging to its roots. you know, when we commented in the blogs of those we liked to read. simple, simple, simple.

    ooops, sorry for the "soap-box-moment"!!!

    gentle hugs,
    Tessa

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  10. and of course, your careful care of your antiques, pays beautiful dividends.

    and the Joy, of knowing you are caring for these heirlooms, is icing on the cake.

    Tessa

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  11. Everything looks beautiful, Rue! I bought some daisies last week, and as a splurge, they are still as fresh as the day I bought them, so I'd say they are a pretty investment. Enjoy your Sunday!

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  12. A beautiful hutch with your family collections. I was wondering about the big plates, very pretty. Flowers always make the house smile. Kathleen in Az

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  13. Ru, your grandmother's hutch is gorgeous, I love it! I love the old traditional wood. Your plates are pretty, and it sounds like you have many treasures that have meaning to you. The beeswax sure makes a difference in polishing. What a great price on the daffodils, and the vase looks like the old milk glass. I've had a hutch from Italy for many years, and it's something that I'll never part with.

    I'm going back to the pictures now to look at all the detail on this beautiful hutch.

    ~Sheri

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  14. I think what several of you bloggers are saying is this: "If you don't have a blog don't bother to leave a comment because this is a closed society and we are only interested in what other bloggers think and say." Well, that gives me a lot of extra time since I will only be reading a few of those who care about us, like Brenda over at Cozy Little House, who don't belong to the society!! I hope she doesn't get too big for us little folk!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's not what I meant at all! I'll be replying to those that don't have blogs on here too. I just meant that answering every single comment takes A LOT of time and if someone has a blog then I'll be visiting them there. If you don't have a blog, then I'll answer here or send an email if it's available.

      I promise I'm not trying to ignore anyone. I'm just trying to find a balance between blogging and my life.

      I apologize if I didn't make that clear.

      Delete
    2. I fixed it, so that it made more sense. I realize now why you would have taken that wrong.

      Delete
  15. I think that spring flowers are always the best of spring decorations! I love your bunnies though, they are very cute. I totally get where you are coming from with the comments, I gave in some time ago on this and everyone totally understood, so I am sure that they will understand you doing it too! It is lovely to hear back from you, but not necessary, and I know that you will visit and comment over at mine! Enjoy your flowers!!! xx

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  16. First, I must say that your hutch is gorgeous - I've always admired it from your other photos. Now it's even more gorgeous with that shine on it. However, I'm confused. I've always heard that olive oil is good for your wood furniture - I guess I'll have to do some Google research! But with that wax you're using and the link you gave about the wax and why one should use it, it says in the first paragraph of the article, "What they did not tell you, was that the silicone oils and petroleum distillates in their product would actually cause harm to your finish over time." But then that wax has petroleum distillates in it! Also, I would want to be using any product with petroleum distillates in it anyway...they're very dangerous. Just a heads up! Take a look at this article: http://www.examiner.com/article/avoid-products-containing-petroleum-distillates

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops, grammatical error...should read "Also, I wouldn't want to be using any product..." (I had said "would want").

      Delete
    2. I thought olive oil was good too, but it actually ruined an antique I have and now I need to have it refinished.

      I know it said that, but I read somewhere that the ones in this wax are different. Something about it being used in a spray or something. Of course, I can't find the dang article.... All I know is that Briwax is one of the most recommended for antiques, so it's what I use.

      Thank you for the article. I'll have to look into it :)

      Delete
  17. Waxing sounds like a lot of work, but with results like that, it's totally worth it! It's beautiful! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  18. So shiny and pretty! You have such beautiful antiques. My antiques are really just "stuff" I picked up somewhere along the way. My babies have "nests" too.
    Brenda

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  19. WOW!!!! on the waxing!!! That is a huge difference!!!! I have antiques and have been using....dare I say....Pledge!!!!
    Can I start this method? LOVE it!!!! How long do you have to wait to put the dishes back on? What if I used hemp oil for the original finish...per Miss Mustard Seed......I know you are not an expert but any advice of tried and true methods is appreciated!!!

    I am kinda new to your blog and I love that too!!!! Don't ya just LOVE the way antiques have secret drawers
    & cabinets!!! Fresh flowers are always a must!!!
    Addie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pledge?! LOL It's fine. I just wouldn't use it anymore :)

      I only had to wax it on and then wipe it off until it shined and then everything went back on as soon as I washed the dishes.

      I had never heard of hemp oil until you mentioned it or miss mustard seed. when I looked it up the only person talking about it was her, so I clicked on her link. It sounds to me like you would only use it on furniture that is used outside, because of melting, but I don't keep antiques outside, so I don't have to worry about that. Like you said, I'm no expert though :)

      Nice to meet you, Addie!

      Delete
  20. Thank you for sharing this beautiful piece with us and sharing your wax, I will be looking to get some myself. I laughed when you explained about the 'nest' near the vent, my kitties like their beds near the vents too!

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  21. Thank you for the advice, I am in to beeswax - I just love it and brought a plug-in warmer and put in a small block of beeswax and it smells wonderful. I even use it for my cross stitching needle.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The hutch is divine! What a gorgeous piece of furniture, and perfectly decorated with your collection of dishware. $1.75 for a bunch of daffodils? Guess my Safeway didn't get that memo. :( Anyway, they look cheerful in that lovely vase (milk glass, I believe ?), and I love the line of daisies in the little bottles on the window sill. You're my kind of flower girl. :) Hugs, Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know if it's real milk glass or not. My daughter gave it to me with flowers in it on my birthday. She told the flower lady exactly what I would like and came home with it.... sweet girl :)

      xo

      Delete
  23. Wow, you're ambitious! I have a little three tier stand that needs to be waxed - still! I wonder if I snuck (pretty sure that's a word) it in with your stuff if it would magically get waxed:) That hutch is beautiful. I use a homemade wax. if you're interested, it's toward the end of this post.
    http://thelocustblossom.blogspot.com/2015/01/classic-american-clothespins.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your stuff probably would get waxed! I'm a waxing fool right now LOL

      Thank you for the link to your post! I think I'll try it :)

      Delete
  24. I love polishing the furniture. It is very therapeutic. Plus, everything looks new again! Flowers always cheer up a room,especially when it is grey and gloomy. Rue, next time you are in Safeway, send it a silent hello from me! I haven't been in one in over 30 years! There wasn't one in Sierra Vista when I lived there and there aren't any up in Indiana. I grew up going to that grocers and miss it. I know it sounds crazy, but consider the source :)
    Hope you have a good week.
    Hugs,
    Deb

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  25. Look at how it glows! Gorgeous! I love that pitcher that you have your daisies in! I used to respond to all my comments too, but no one ever goes back. Or at least I don't!

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  26. Such a lovely hutch with many meaningful family heirlooms. You're very lucky to have so many beautiful things Rue.

    I don't usually respond to comments unless there's a question asked or the person doesn't have a blog, although I do have a plug in installed that would let the person know I responded to their comment. Truly, I feel unless my response is going to be somewhat meaningful, why litter someone's inbox with dribble? I have too much respect for people's time.

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  27. Your grandmother's hutch is stunning...a true treasure. It's obvious you treasure it, how well you care for it!

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  28. I've always heard you should reply back to eery comment, but you are right Rue. I don't go back and check the blogs I comment on to see if there is a reply, LOL. I think you've implemented a good policy! :) And by the way, that hutch is one gorgeous piece of furniture!

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  29. Probably one of the most beautiful pieces I've ever seen. Thanks for this advice. I will look for that wax since it's good for you. :D

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  30. It sure does look better! It GLEAMS!! Enjoying hearing about all the peices and where they came from. The whole thing looks real pretty!

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  31. Ru, just wanted to tell you that I showed my china cabinet from Italy on my post today if you want to come and see it (not any close-ups, just one pic for now, but I've always wanted to do a post about it, maybe someday). I am looking at your grandmother's hutch again, and can't believe how beautiful it is.

    Have a sweet day.

    ~Sheri

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  32. Thanks for the link and tips, Rue! I might just need to get me some beeswax!

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    Replies
    1. Forgot to mention how GORGEOUS that hutch is! I'm a bit of a hutch fiend. They float my boat, what can I say?

      Delete
  33. Remember everyone, that I'm not an expert. I've just been the caretaker of these things for many years and I try to do what's best for them. Good luck!

    xo

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  34. I'm sure you've heard the expression - you should learn something everyday - well, I learned something today. For years, I've been using oil, thinking that would moisture better, but when I look at my wood hutch that's been oiled and then look at yours that's been waxed... What a difference, my looks totally dried out, so wax, here I come. Thanks so much for sharing that. As for responding, I've never expected responses, although they are nice when they happen.
    Anymore deer??

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    Replies
    1. Yes, but not on the porch. The other day they walked up the driveway of the house next to me while I was watering :)

      Delete
  35. I'm sure you've heard the expression - you should learn something everyday - well, I learned something today. For years, I've been using oil, thinking that would moisture better, but when I look at my wood hutch that's been oiled and then look at yours that's been waxed... What a difference, my looks totally dried out, so wax, here I come. Thanks so much for sharing that. As for responding, I've never expected responses, although they are nice when they happen.
    Anymore deer??

    ReplyDelete
  36. I just found your new place here, Rue! Great to see you doing well :) What an interesting conversation!
    I am Misha (From My Front Porch in the Mountains). I have not blogged consistently for a couple of years now. Dealing with chronic illness really pushed my blog posts to be sporadic. And I have to be totally honest and say the guilt from not being able to answer each person who commented (via email or their blog) and not visiting the bloggers who came to mine really caused me to stop. It's silly, really. I love sharing through posts about our horses, pups, and kitties! But I felt terrible when other bloggers would comment that I had not "come by" their blog.
    A blogging friend said to me when I was sharing this with her..."That is why it is Your blog" I try and take this to heart but guilty me would rather not blog than hurt anyone's feelings!

    Welcome back! Love seeing your happy, new home!
    xo, misha

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Misha! I wrote you back on your blog.

      xo

      Delete
  37. One of my childhood chores was dusting my mother's dining room set every week and waxing it monthly. It was quite a chore, but it taught me to cherish fine antiques. Thanks for the memories. Your hutch is beautiful!

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  38. I've never seen this wax before but will be on the lookout for some. It's hard to get back to everyone, and I feel the same way you do. Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed by it all, but never about having friends, about feeling like I am failing. So I try my best to get to everyone, and hope if I'm a little late, my friends will not be made at me!

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  39. Love your hutch! You are inspiring me to do a BIG spring cleaning - hope the inspiration sticks with me long enough to go get fresh cleaning products -hahaha!

    Big hug
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It means so much to me that you took the time and I read each and every one. If you don't have a blog, look for a response under your comment. I try to get to them within a few days :)

For some reason, the comment box doesn't always show up, so if you want to leave a comment, replying to someone else's comment seems to work. Also, I've had to switch from safari to chrome in order to comment on blogger, so that might be the issue. If not, you can always reach me via email, located on my side bar. Thank you!