The festive season brings joy, celebration, and unfortunately, sometimes a few accidents too, particularly when it comes to cherished household furniture. At Abbey Group, we’ve seen our fair share of dinner disasters, especially involving beautiful tables marred by heat marks from hot serving dishes. If this sounds all too familiar, you’re not alone, and thankfully, there’s a solution at hand.
The Heat Mark Dilemma
After a delightful holiday feast, it’s a common sight: once the dishes are cleared and the linens removed, unsightly white foggy marks appear on your polished table tops. These marks are caused by the heat trapped under hot plates or serving dishes, which disrupts the moisture balance in the finish, causing those characteristic white spots.
Can Your Insurance Help?
One tip we often share with our clients is to check your household insurance policy. Many policies cover accidental damage, which means that the repair might only cost you the excess fee. It’s worth investigating, as it can significantly reduce the financial burden of repairs.
A Recent Restoration Case
Take, for example, a recent situation where a policyholder accidentally placed a hot serving tray on their table top. Despite having a table protector and three linen cloths, the heat managed to damage the surface significantly, as shown in the images. The damage was more than just a heat mark; it affected the wood’s finish and overall aesthetics.
Our Restoration Approach
At Abbey Group, we are equipped to handle such unfortunate incidents with expertise and care. Our approach involves several steps to ensure that your furniture is not only restored but returned to its original quality and finish:
- Assessment: We start by assessing the extent of the damage to understand the best approach for restoration.
- Stripping and Sanding: The damaged finish is carefully stripped and the surface sanded to remove the heat marks.
- Refinishing: We then apply a new finish, matching the original as closely as possible. This might involve techniques like French polishing, which is excellent for achieving a high-quality sheen and colour match.
- Final Checks: The restored area is thoroughly checked against the rest of the piece to ensure consistency and quality.
Cost-Effective Restoration
Our client was relieved to find out that the restoration was covered under their insurance, making it a cost-effective solution compared to the high replacement value of their antique table. This kind of restoration not only saves the piece but also maintains the continuity of memories associated with it.
Need Help?
If you’ve experienced similar mishaps over the holiday period, don’t hesitate to reach out to Abbey Group. We’re here to help restore your furniture to its former glory. Call us at 01708 741135 or email info@abbey-group.net for assistance with any furniture disasters or damages. Let us take the worry out of your festive season’s aftermath!
