You may have seen them on TV, those people who take a piece of old furniture and make it look new again. American Restoration, The Repair Shop, and other TV shows with a similar premise have made antique restoration seem like a glamorous business. And it can be, but it’s also a lot of work.
An antique restoration takes an old, damaged, or faded piece of furniture and returns it to its original condition. This can be done by repairing damage, refinishing the piece, and polishing it. That alone can make people think twice about opening their own antique restoration business.
If you’re considering starting your own antique restoration business, there are a few things you should know first.
It’s not just cleaning and polishing.
When most people think of antique restoration, they think of simply cleaning and polishing a piece of furniture. But there’s much more to it than that. Antique restoration also involves repairing any damage that has been done to the piece and refinishing it. This can be a tedious and time-consuming process, so you need to be prepared for that.
You need to have some business sense.
Just because you’re good at antique restoration doesn’t mean you’ll be good at running a business. If you’re thinking of starting your shop, you need basic business skills. This includes knowing how to market your business, set prices, and keep track of finances.
For example, you can offer free delivery to your local customers. This is a great way to get your name out there and attract new business. Look for an aluminum car trailer for sale so you can transport your pieces without damaging them. You can also offer discounts for multiple pieces or referrals. There are a lot of things you can do to express business sense.
You need to have an eye for detail.
Since antique restoration involves making a piece of furniture look new again, you must have an eye for detail. This means being able to spot any damage, no matter how small, and knowing how to fix it. It also means matching the original finish as closely as possible.
There are a lot of YouTube videos and other resources that can teach you the basics of antique restoration. But that may not be enough. If you’re serious about starting this business, you may need to take some courses or even get a degree. Having an eye for details is something that people can learn. But if you don’t have an eye for detail, you may not be able to produce the same high-quality results as someone who does.
You need to be prepared for the cost.
Restoring an antique can be a costly endeavor. You will need to purchase materials like sandpaper, paint, wood glue, and more. You may also need to rent or buy some power tools. And if you’re hiring someone to do the restoration for you, that will add to the cost.
It would be best to prepare for these costs before you start your business. Otherwise, you may find yourself in financial trouble down the road.
You need to be patient.
Working on an antique can take days, weeks, or even longer. Some processes need to be followed to restore a piece correctly, and rushing through them will only result in a subpar product. If you’re not patient, this business may not be for you.
You need to have the patience to work on a piece until it is perfect. Otherwise, you will end up with an unfinished project that is not up to your standards.
You need to have a passion for it.
Last but not least, you need to have a passion for antique restoration. This business is not for everyone. It’s hard work, and it can be frustrating at times. But if you love what you do, it will be worth it.
If you’re going to start an antique restoration business, you need to have some knowledge about antiques. This includes knowing how to identify different styles, periods, and materials. You should also know how to care for and clean different types of antiques.
All these can be easier for you if you love what you do. This is why a passion for antique restoration is a must if you start your own business.
There you have it. These are the things you need to know first before starting your own antique restoration business. It’s not an easy business, but it can be gratifying. If you have the passion and the dedication, then go for it. You might be the next big thing in the antique restoration world.