Antiques just seem to talk to some of us. We love them for the way they make us feel. They bring back memories of a simpler time, when things were well built and quality workmanship was a way of life.
When you love antiques, the natural path for you is to want to incorporate them into every nook and cranny of your home. It will follow that you want to incorporate them into the bathroom as well. For most people, that means using an antique as a bathroom vanity. Antique bathroom vanities can be the focal point of the entire room, as a matter of fact.
The Importance of Maintenance
Keep this antique vanity looking lovely
Since the bathroom tends to be a moister environment than most antique furniture was designed for, you’re going to need a little extra preparation and a little extra care. It will help you to know a little more about that in order to keep your antique bathroom vanity looking sharp and staying new. Once you master the basics, you’re going to slide them right into your daily routine. This will assure that you keep your antique bathroom vanity in great shape for years to come.
Every antique bathroom vanity is unique, depending on the materials that they are built of. You won’t care for a stone top in the same way that you will for a wood vanity. Likewise, the same cleaners won’t apply and the treatment that you will use to help perpetuate the beauty of your piece are going to be different.
Sealing
Preparing your antique wood to do duty as an antique vanity means that you may need to do a little sealing. In some cases, rubbing down the wood with a good coating of linseed oil, or even sealing it will be necessary prior to installing it in your bathroom.
On a daily basis or at the least several times a week, you will want to use some special treatment on your antique bathroom vanities to assure they stay bright and keep their luster. What you will do will differ depending on the materials that are involved.
Wood Bathroom Vanities
The problems that wood will face usually pertain to the wood drying out, but the antique bathroom vanity made of wood doesn’t face this problem. In fact it faces the opposite one. It may soak up the moisture from the air and will end up expanding in ways that frankly, you’d rather it didn’t. Treat your wood vanity with linseed oil or some type of sealant prior to installation. Check to be certain that you have adequate ventilation in your bathing area.
Beautiful, natural wood vanities can be maintenance-intensive
On Polishing
Once you have done those things, regular cleaning or polishing with a good quality antique wood polish will keep it shining and well conditioned. It will also give it a soft glow that will keep it looking wonderful.
Before you use any wood polish check an inconspicuous spot to be sure that the polish will not leave a mark. If your antique bathroom vanity of wood is not finished with a poly or other varnish or sealant, keeping it well waxed will be imperative. If it has been sealed the waxing isn’t a necessity.
Stone Topped Vanities
Stone vanities are wonderful additions to your bath but they also require some extra care. They are usually dual materials so that while the top requires a special cleaner that is slated for use on stone, the bottom will quite likely be of wood and will need the care and waxing that wood requires.
You should take care to not use polishes or creams that are not geared toward use on stone as they may actually scar or mar the face of your stone surface. Likewise us a polish that is made for stone. Be careful what you leave on the face of your antique bathroom vanity made of stone. While it is sturdy, hot things can mar the finish and cosmetic spills may damage it.
Giving your antique bathroom vanities the proper care will assure that they continue to serve you for far longer and stay looking as beautiful as they were the day you bought them.
