Complementation techniques or methods are intended to renew lost or damaged areas on the furniture to complete the artwork. In furniture restoration, the term "additions" refers to the replacement of missing parts, which may be larger or smaller. This always involves the completion of missing parts, regardless of whether it is solid or veneered wood.
The task of the wood and furniture restorer is to close the missing parts in such a way that the affected area is secured. The material loss should be visually restored by fitting the addition in as far as possible in its appearance, i.e. in its colour and structure. Furthermore, it must be adapted to the surrounding area in its dimension and in the given craftsmanship of the surface design. Finally, visual integration can only be achieved by means of colour or varnish retouching if the work is completed correctly. The demands on the quality of execution of an addition are therefore very diverse. Sometimes, it is also possible to leave missing parts.
The quality of the additions places high demands on the professional maturity of the restorer.
Damage to antique furniture:
Damage is just as individual as any historical object. They depend on many factors, such as the age of the object, its use, environmental influences or care. There are some "typical basic damages" that can always be observed in old furniture.
These include:
- Shrinkage cracks - a common reaction to the usually too high room temperatures in dry air.
- Chipping - caused by mechanical impact through use
- Structural damage - loose or opened wooden joints
- Wood abrasion - common with unwaxed drawers - wood rubbing on wood detachment of small parts and veneers
- Stains - fading
- Surface damage in general - caused by lack of or incorrect care
- Wear and tear of functional metal objects (locks, hinges etc.)
- Metal corrosion
- replacement parts that are no longer original / poorly made wooden additions
In order to be able to repair the various types of damage, it is necessary to have the appropriate knowledge and craftsman's know-how. In the case of wood additions, it is important to use exactly the right wood. Density, structure and grain must be right. Stains in wood cannot simply be removed with universal cleaners without knowledge of the origin. Improper removal can have the opposite effect, making stains larger or really highlighting them. Wood dust caused by abrasion (drawers) is often misinterpreted by laymen as drill dust from the "woodworm".
Before the restorer can start to repair the damage, he must clarify the many individual case factors.