As many of you know, I began my career in this business as a dealer and even though I no longer make my living as such, I hold on to a small retail space at one of our area malls. Selling has always been a passion of mine which makes maintaining my booth at Southport Antique Mall one of my most enjoyable pastimes. I visit the booth once every few days to refresh and restock and it was on one of those days that I overheard the conversation that resulted in this column.
Two ladies had strolled in to the booth while I was straightening a mirror and as I turned to see if I could help them I heard one of them say, “whoever has this booth should be shot!” Ok, this got my attention. “People who put paint on old furniture make me sick,” she continued. “ Do they not know they are destroying valuable antiques?” The other lady snorted in agreement and off they went, leaving me slightly stunned.
This issue has been the topic for debate for at least a decade as painted furniture continues to grow in popularity. Shabby Chic or Rustic distressed, Farmhouse flat matte finish or bold high gloss, painted furniture is a mainstay in local shops and malls and with it a new type of dealer has emerged . . . the repurposer.
I would like to say right up front that I agree, in theory, that antiques should not be painted. However, let me be quick to add that the repurposers who I know are NOT painting valuable antiques. They are saving huge amounts of scrap furniture from the landfills around Indy and not only helping “castoffs” to become lovely home furnishings, they are also making a considerable impact on the environment.
When I am asked if a piece is a candidate for painting (and I often am) I consider these three question.
1. Are are you increasing or decreasing the value if you paint or strip? Primitives with all or part of their original paint will decrease 50% or more if you strip or refresh their paint. Fine antiques also lose value when their original patina is disturbed. However, if a piece of furniture is so badly worn and marred from use that it ends up stored in the garage rather than used, it may be a candidate for painting or refinishing.
2. What is the condition of the piece? If the piece in question is like so many that I encounter, drawers and doors missing, stains from standing water to ink spills and severe warping, then I say paint it. By contrast if you are considering turning a pristine 1800s dressing table turquoise so it will match your new area rug, I would suggest you sell it and take a trip to IKEA to find a new table.
3. Is the piece of sentimental value? Sometimes we are left family heirlooms that simply cannot be force blended into our home. It is my recommendation that if you can’t find a place for it, pass it to another member of the family. Don’t ruin it with paint. Remember in the 70s when Grandma used an “antiquing kit” and turned your great grandma’s spinet desk a weird olive green? Let’s learn from the mistakes of the past.
In closing let me leave you with this thought: Trends come and go. Adapting a piece to suit your needs now, may result in regret a few years down the road. There is an abundance of damaged, non-saveable furniture out there — antiques on the other hand are becoming in short supply. So, before your grab that paint brush . . think twice. Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com.
