Secrets of the Trades - Antiques
Use turpentine linseed oil and malt vingar to nourish furniture wood
To darken wood use parafin wax
Mix some furniture varnish with soot to age a piece of furniture
To conceal a scratch on a table open a walnut and rub it along the scratch
Polish wood with a metal polish not normal wood polish
Mix talcum powder and methylated spirits into a paste to remove greasy stains
Spraying a slate hearth with wd40 will preserve its shine
Clean brass handles with lemon juice
Gently rubbing with breadcrumbs to clean the tops of old books
To prevent the spread of woodworm treat the wood in may
Identify silver by sniffing it silver has a stronger smell than plate
To polish silver effectively use your fingers
Wiping cast iron with olive oil will stop it rusting
Wash old coins in hot water never polish them
Protect ivory by polishing with almond oil and using a soft cloth
Covering a copper kettle in brown sauce for 24 hours will clean it a treat
Always clean antique luggage with saddle soap
Spit on a cotton wool bud to clean a delicate oil painting rubbing gently
Mix one egg and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to clean gilt frames
Remove scratches from a watch face by gently rubbing with metal polish