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If you have your own question, feel free to contact me!


Click the topic that is associated with the information you're looking for, or just scroll down and read through all the Frequently Asked Questions.

Refinishing/Restoring Antiques
Stripping furniture so you can finish or paint
Dipping Vs. Hand Stripping

Flooded Furniture Restoration
Damaged spots or white rings on furniture
Veneer has broken off or is missing
Black marks from water on furniture
Providing "ballpark" estimates
Moving Damage / Insurance Claims
My Service Area
Pickup & Delivery Service
On-Site Repairs
Furniture Modifications

Payment Questions - Cash, Check or Credit Cards?

Refinishing/Restoration of Antiques

Q. I've heard that it's bad to refinish antiques because it reduces their value. Is that true?

A. Yes and no. There are antiques that are quite valuable because of the patina that develops as a piece ages. In such cases, I employ techniques to enhance the existing finish and mask imperfections without disturbing the finish. However, most old furniture does not fall into the category of "rare" or "museum quality" and therefore can be improved with some restoration work. Some mixed messages have been received as a result of the PBS series Antiques Roadshow. This is what Antiques Roadshow had to say concerning furniture refinishing:

"Well-conceived and well-executed refinishing and restoration usually enhances the value of just about any piece of old furniture. Exceptions are those rare (often museum-quality) pieces that have somehow survived in great `original' condition. If we say or imply the contrary, we should be called on it." - Peter B. Cook, Executive Producer of Antiques Roadshow


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Stripping Furniture so You can finish or paint it

Q. Will you strip doors and furniture so I can apply the finish?

A. No. I only strip pieces that I am going to finish and cannot provide stripping service for anyone else. I like to see a project through from beginning to end, and would like you to get the best results!

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Dipping vs. Hand Stripping Furniture

Q. Do you dip furniture to strip it?

A. The short answer is, "No." My feeling is that "dipping" any item to strip its finish or paint should be a last resort, not a first step. The exception to that rule would be multiple layers of paint or especially stubborn old varnish, and even then I'd only have architectural items dipped (doors, mantles), not furniture. Although some shops will contend that modern dipping chemicals are not as volatile, I always take the more cautious route. Dipping furniture can be very hard on the wood, destructive to glues, and destroys any patina fast. I hand strip only using the least invasive procedure possible to arrive at the best end result.

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Flooded Furniture Restoration

Q. My furniture was flooded after Hurricane Katrina. Can it be saved or should I throw it out?

A. If it is a valuable or especially important antique, I will consider restoring a flooded piece. Otherwise, I am no longer accepting flooded furniture from Katrina. After 5 years of doing flood restorations, it's time to move on. Anything that's been stored this long is likely in pretty bad shape anyway!

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Damaged Spots or White Rings on Furniture

Q. I sat a glass full of ice tea on my end table and it left a white ring. What should I do?

A. This is a very common question. There are a lot of products on the market claiming that they can remove the white rings left by moisture. Most of them work really well, but you can accomplish the same objective using things you may have around the house. Some experts say you can rub creamy peanut butter into the white ring. It acts as a mild abrasive and the oils will be forced into the wood to condition it and release the moisture. An old British technique is to mix cooking oil with ashes and rub into the damaged spot. Both work well. If these methods don't work, I can take a look at it and more than likely remove the spot with some of the more aggressive compounds in my repair kit.

Q. Can you fix burn mark on my desk?

A. Yes. However this goes beyond a finish issue as burns usually reach the fibers of the wood as well. However, I can remove the damaged area, spot fill and finish the area so that it will be difficult to tell the burn was ever there at all.

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Veneer is Broken off or is missing

Q. A piece of veneer chipped off my cabinet when we moved. Can you fix it?

A. Yes. If the old piece of veneer is still intact, it can often be reglued and the edges blended to suggest it never broke off at all. If the veneer is missing entirely, I have a stock of various veneers that I can use to replace the missing material.

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Black marks from water on furniture

Q. A puddle of water sat on my table for some time and now there's a black mark there. What should I do?

A. Unfortunately this means that the water penetrated the finish and invaded the wood underneath. The tannins in different woods cause them to react differently to exposure to water. Oak, walnut, and mahogany can stain badly while others don't. The surface needs to be stripped, bleached, and refinished. Most stains will come out with some patience, but others are stubborn. In those cases, I use a combination of pigments to mask the stains and reduce their appearance.

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Providing "Ballpark" Estimates

Q. I have an old desk is damaged and needs to be refinished. Can you give me a "ballpark" estimate of what it might cost?

A. On some items I am able to provide a rough estimate. Most of the time, especially when it comes to restoration work, it is very difficult to provide an accurate estimate with a vague description of the piece. More often than not, a piece that requires refinishing also will entail some sort of repair work or structural enforcement. If you have digital pictures, feel free to send them. If you're not able to send photos, a detailed description and dimensions of the piece are helpful. That greatly assists me in providing you with the "ballpark" estimate. For extremely large pieces, I may be able to come to you for a personal evaluation. As far as custom work, no two pieces I build are exactly alike as each is made to customer specifications. I can provide rough estimates after we iron out a few details.

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Moving Damage & Insurance Claims

Q. My furniture was damaged by movers. Can you provide me with a repair estimate to submit to them?

A. I've had many experiences where I've provided this service and the client does not follow through with the repairs once the paperwork is complete. Because of this, I now must charge a $100 fee for formal estimate sheets to be submitted for damage claims. If you decide to proceed with the repairs once reimbursement has been received from the moving company, I will deduct the charge from the final bill.

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My Service Area

Q. I live in Baton Rouge and have a rocking chair to fix. Will you come pick it up?

A. I generally limit my service area to the New Orleans metro area; however I may be able to refer you to a qualified craftsman in your area. In rare cases, I will travel to provide services. Clients are always welcome to bring their work to me if they are from out of town. Some of my services are highly specialized and many clients are willing to make the trip because they know the job will be done right. Please refer to the map below to see my regular service area.

Service Area - Click to Enlarge  

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Pickup & Delivery Service

Q. Can you pick up my furniture and deliver when it is done?

A. I offer pickup and delivery service depending on the size of the job. Large pieces that will not easily fit in a car are candidates for pick-up and delivery. If you have multiple pieces to restore, it is often easier and safer for your pieces if I handle their transport. If you're willing to wait until I'm in your area for another pick-up or delivery, I can make exceptions, but that most likely means you'll be waiting a lot longer.

On-Site Repairs

Q. We have a table with a lot of scratches and damage. Do you do on-site furniture repairs?

A. I am no longer performing on-site repairs as there is often just too much going in the workshop to take out time for travel. However, every week is different, and I might be able to repair your piece between supply runs or deliveries. Email me to inquire and I'll see what I can do for you.

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Furniture Modifications

Q. Can you convert an old cabinet into an entertainment center?

A. You bet! It is smart to maintain the charm of old furniture and adapt it to modern use. I can add shelves, drawers, convert the doors to pocket doors that will conceal, and install proper ventilation and power supply for modern audio and video equipment. Now if it's an antique, that's another story. Some furniture is meant to live the way it was born.

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Payment Questions - Cash, Check or Credit Cards?

Q. How do I handle payment? Do you accept credit cards?

A. There are many ways to pay for the services I provide. I will gladly accept cash, checks, and money orders. You can also pay with your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover Card, or PayPal. Let me know if you would prefer to pay with one of these methods, and I will provide you with a secured link to access your account balance. You can choose the option most convenient for you and handle payment safely and securely online. It couldn't be easier!

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