Home Help: Your questions
Q Unfortunately, my wooden worktop has black rings on it. Do you know the best products to remove these stains and restoring the wood? And should I protect the wood in future? JJ, via email
A I have had a similar problem and find that Liberon Wood Bleacher (£7.38 for 125ml) is an effective solution. Apply it with a brush, according to the instructions, and leave to dry. If the marks are still there, repeat until the wood is bleached.
The bleach must be neutralised with a wet cloth before lightly sanding the surface and applying Liberon Finishing Oil (£8.88 for 500ml); this will provide a hard-wearing and waterresistant surface. After the oil has dried, the manufacturer recommends applying three more coats on all the worktops to give future protection. Avoid placing hot vessels on the surfaces.
Liberon: 01797-367555, www.liberon.co.uk
Q I have an antique mirror that is cracked. I have been meaning to get the glass mended for years but I have never been able to find someone who can repair or replace the glass with an authentic antique look. Do you have any suggestions? LE, via email
A I am afraid that it is virtually impossible to mend cracked antique glass – you will have to replace it. However, if the mirror is older than 1790 it will be backed with mercury, which was outlawed at the turn of 19th century; silver nitrate was used after this date. The most authentic, antiqued glass I have seen is crafted by Mirrorworks. Everything is made by hand, including bespoke items, to a specified finish of your own choice.
Replacement glass for period screen, from £350 (pictured top)
Bathroom installation with mirrors, from £2,100 (pictured above)
Antique Mirror Glass Company: 01743-588287, www.antiquemirrorglass.com
Q My daughter and her husband have inherited a beautiful collection of furniture and are wondering how to incorporate their TV and audio system into the room. I said I’d investigate. PM, via email
A Restall Brown & Clennell is one of the best companies making antiquestyle furniture today. Founded in 1905, everything is handmade by craftsmen in England, some of whom have worked there for their whole careers. They create highquality pieces in a range of woods, styles and finishes, such as marquetry and chinoiserie. Its bespoke service also includes cabinets designed to conceal entertainment systems.
Restall Brown & Clennell: 020-7349 7024, www.rbc-furniture.co.uk
Email design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk
A I have had a similar problem and find that Liberon Wood Bleacher (£7.38 for 125ml) is an effective solution. Apply it with a brush, according to the instructions, and leave to dry. If the marks are still there, repeat until the wood is bleached.
The bleach must be neutralised with a wet cloth before lightly sanding the surface and applying Liberon Finishing Oil (£8.88 for 500ml); this will provide a hard-wearing and waterresistant surface. After the oil has dried, the manufacturer recommends applying three more coats on all the worktops to give future protection. Avoid placing hot vessels on the surfaces.
Liberon: 01797-367555, www.liberon.co.uk
Q I have an antique mirror that is cracked. I have been meaning to get the glass mended for years but I have never been able to find someone who can repair or replace the glass with an authentic antique look. Do you have any suggestions? LE, via email
A I am afraid that it is virtually impossible to mend cracked antique glass – you will have to replace it. However, if the mirror is older than 1790 it will be backed with mercury, which was outlawed at the turn of 19th century; silver nitrate was used after this date. The most authentic, antiqued glass I have seen is crafted by Mirrorworks. Everything is made by hand, including bespoke items, to a specified finish of your own choice.
Replacement glass for period screen, from £350 (pictured top)
Bathroom installation with mirrors, from £2,100 (pictured above)
Antique Mirror Glass Company: 01743-588287, www.antiquemirrorglass.com
Q My daughter and her husband have inherited a beautiful collection of furniture and are wondering how to incorporate their TV and audio system into the room. I said I’d investigate. PM, via email
A Restall Brown & Clennell is one of the best companies making antiquestyle furniture today. Founded in 1905, everything is handmade by craftsmen in England, some of whom have worked there for their whole careers. They create highquality pieces in a range of woods, styles and finishes, such as marquetry and chinoiserie. Its bespoke service also includes cabinets designed to conceal entertainment systems.
Restall Brown & Clennell: 020-7349 7024, www.rbc-furniture.co.uk
Email design enquiries to Hugh St Clair at homehelp@lady.co.uk