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By Design: Preserve and Conserve
by Lori Hagen-Hulitt
Interior Design
Architectural Concepts, Inc.
Before you count it out, consider ways to extend the life of your property's finishes and furniture before the expense of replacement.
Furniture cracks or dings?
Try using colored wood putty and deep polishing to restore the luster. Also a little Orange Oil goes a long way for a nice shine. Be sure to buff off all residue or you will have an instant dust catcher.
On the tougher jobs call in the Furniture Medic or a local refinisher for on site restoration services for either a professional polishing or in some cases you may need to strip and refinish altogether.
Vinyl floors peeling up?
Try a seam sealer to repair the edges. Apply directly to the underside of the peeling edge and press firmly to assure bonding. Make sure you clean up any excess adhesive with a damp cloth. Since most damage comes from chairs and tables make use of felt pads on all leg bottoms.
Scratched hardwood flooring?
You only need one tool, a normal wax crayon (that closely matches the color of your floor). Melt the crayon in the microwave until it can be molded like putty and apply with a putty knife. If you can not find the right color try the hardware store for a wood putty repair pencil.
Carpet stains, burns and creep?
Always try the manufacturers' recommendations for any stain removal and keep up with your maintenance program rigorously so soil does not build up beyond cleanability. Remember patches do show, so if necessary make them as small as possible. If you have creep then re-stretching is a good way to make the carpet look better. If your carpet needs a patch or other services call a professional. And when you are ready for replacing the carpet spend the extra money for stainguard and upgraded pad for better wear and life.
Stainless steel got you in a roar?
With much popularity, Stainless Steel is on demand. Unfortunately keeping up the finish is a constant job. Use a Stainless Steel cleanser – only! (window cleaner and soaps will only smear). Use a nice soft cloth with an approved cleaner and buff in the direction of the grain for a clean shine.
Faded and cracked leather?
From color enhancement to scratch and tear repairs there is some hope for restoring that favorite sofa. A new life for you leather seating can be done on site by your staff with "Leather-Renew" Contact the manufacturer at www.leatherrenew.com for repair and conditioning kits.
Remember your best protection and guard against costly replacement is proper maintenance
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