The Trend To Avoid If You Want To Preserve Antique Value

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Patina is the natural sign of age for antiques. It speaks to a life well-lived, and like a fine wine or George Clooney, only gets better as time passes. Designers love patina because it adds a sense of history to a room, and homeowners love it because it can hide a multitude of sins. Small dings and scratches on a pristine piece of furniture stand out, but only add to the character of a well-loved piece. Because antiques with patina are so popular, many people try to force the look — however, if you own a real antique, you shouldn't attempt to force it. Patina happens slowly over time. 

We don't blame people for their curiosity, though, as the word "patina" has taken on new meaning as a DIY term, and "how to patina" articles abound for items like mirrors, terra cotta pots, wood furniture, and objects made of wrought-iron, silver, brass, bronze, or copper. DIY patina hacks can be helpful for making a basic wooden stool look like an antique treasure, and adding character to inexpensive new pieces on a budget. But, designers say this accelerated or forced patina lacks the subtlety of the real thing, and it's easy for most people to spot the difference. It should never be attempted on actual antiques, as it will lessen their authenticity and value considerably. 

Faking patina on an antique will actually do the opposite of your intention and make the item look inauthentic. This is because an artificial patina is hard to get right — even for professionals — and the results are often uneven and unnatural. This will indicate to dealers and buyers that the item is only masquerading as an antique. 

Many patina hacks use some type of chemical reaction to force oxidation. Chemicals will harm the surface of your antique and strip away any protective barriers that have kept the antique in excellent condition for so many years. Even natural products like lemon juice and vinegar are acidic and will break down an antique's finish. Antiques can be extremely valuable and should be treated with utmost care. 

The one exception for forcing patina on an antique would be if a small section of the item needed to be replaced with a replica. For instance, one drawer of an apothecary table was completely rotted and had to be rebuilt, or a brass knob was missing and replaced with a new one. In these instances, you may want to add some patina so they match the rest of the piece. However, if your piece is highly valuable, consult a professional before undergoing any refurbishments.

Antiques that bring the most at auction have been well-cared for to stand the test of time, not mistreated or forgotten. Although you may want antiques to appear aged, they still need to be properly maintained. There's a difference in an item that has patina and one that is broken or covered in dirt, grime, or rust (to tell the difference, patina changes the color of an item, it does not flake off like rust). There are ways to stave off the bad signs of age and still maintain patina without damaging your antiques, such as dusting regularly, washing with mild soap when needed, and waxing wood pieces annually (be sure to research which wax is best for your piece). How antiques are stored or displayed is also important to ensure their protection — and the protection of any accumulated patina. Place them out of direct sunlight and high-humidity areas, and keep fine silver in Fumete Anti-Tarnish Storage Bags. 

If you love the look of an antique with patina, you can find them at flea markets, auctions, and antique malls. If you inherited antiques from a relative that are in frustratingly good condition, either wait for patina to happen over time, or sell them and use the proceeds to purchase antiques that are more your style.