The Restoration of Museum-Quality Russian Commodes from the 18th to Early 19th Century


These are the procedures in the correct order to restore these pieces
From Russia during the late 18th to early 19th century, this style of commode features a mahogany wood veneer, the commodes are embellished with gilt-bronze mounts, which are decorative metal pieces that are cast in bronze and then finished with a gold gilding. This technique was particularly popular during the Neoclassical period, these commodes were affected by the elements of time, they were infected with woodworms or wood boring beetles like numerous pieces are from history, I was able to restore them for Maison Felice of the Phyllis Washington collection located at 73960 El Paseo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 USA.
The art of restoration is crucial in keeping historical artifacts alive for future generations. The restoration of the Russian commode started with a thorough examination of the antique piece. This article will take you through the journey of restoring a rare and priceless piece of history.
Once the commode restoration was complete, it was clear that it was a work of art. It had regained its former glory, with no sign of damage. It was now a museum-quality piece, retaining its original appearance and generating the same sense of awe it did when it was first created centuries ago.
There was extensive woodworm damage as well as cracked and split sides and tops mostly from acclimation where the wood dries out in dry climate areas such as deserts and in the winter it is much drier then in the summer here in the desert. Next, I carefully examined the 2 commodes and injected every worm hole with wood harder and the splits or cracks also, I then epoxy filled the inside cracks and glued and used the drawer guides and glued them as well as they were loose ,also to flatten out and level the sides and tops and used some leveling flat straight pieces of waxed hardwood on the exterior surfaces to ensure all the sides and tops were glued flat and even, I then mixed my epoxy with powdered colors to help match the wood color for easier touchup and filled all the cracks, splits and worm holes with the colored epoxy and leveled it flat and even. I then cleaned and de-waxed the finish and then touched up where needed. Then I french polished the finish to its original luster bringing them back to their original state and restore their important history in time.
Cracks in the sides and the tops and many wood worm holes to be repaired and restored.
Products used wood harder, epoxy, powder colors for glue and touch up. Epoxy putty and french polish.
Inside injected with wood hardener, 100s of wood worm holes.
Injected cracks with wood hardener.
Injected cracks and holes with wood hardener.
Inside injected with wood hardener, 100s of wood worm holes.
Inside injected with wood hardener, 100s of wood worm holes.
Clamped sides with flat leveling blocks so epoxy cracks on sides would glue straight and level.
Clamped sides with flat leveling blocks so epoxy cracks on sides would glue straight and level.
Clamped sides with flat leveling blocks so epoxy cracks on sides would glue straight and level.
Touch up powders used for coloring the epoxy for all the gluing and filling work.
Epoxy inside cracks.
Filling inside cracks with epoxy.
Epoxy fill joint seems on bottom then clamped.
Epoxy filled cracks on side and wood worm holes holes.
Hand glazing to bring back the patina.
Applying the french polish finish
All restoration is done completely and french polished.
All restoration is done completely and french polished.
All restoration is done completely and french polished.
All restoration is done completely and french polished.
All restoration is done completely and french polished.
All restoration is done and the pieces are displayed in the setting at Maison Felice, The Phyllis Washington Collection on El Paseo.
All restoration is done and the pieces are displayed in the setting at Maison Felice, The Phyllis Washington Collection on El Paseo.
All restoration is done and the pieces are displayed in the setting at Maison Felice, The Phyllis Washington Collection on El Paseo.
All restoration is done and the pieces are displayed in the setting at Maison Felice, The Phyllis Washington Collection on El Paseo.
Whether you need us to restore a heirloom or refresh your favorite furniture – we are here to help! Contact us now to preserve and restore your treasured items.
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