Karzen Restorations - Refinishing Furniture Since 1937

Question and Answers

Question: Do you provide free written evaluations?
If you want an outstanding job with few surprises, make sure you select a company that will provide a free-no obligation evaluation.

Question: Do you have references?
Alan Karzen Restoration has some testimonials as well as before and after photos on this website. Please take a look at them. Besides these recommendations, other references are available.

Question: What kind of experience do you have?
Since he was a young child working at his father’s company, Alan Karzen has been involved in the refinishing and restoration business. With decades of experience, he can handle the most complicated residential or commercial needs.

Question: Why does furniture need a finish?
Keep in mind that at one time all the wood furniture in your home was alive! Just as humans need water so does wood. In fact, about 30 percent of the weight of a piece of wood is water. Even when a tree is cut and turned into wood furniture, it is still trying to achieve a moisture condition in the environment. As the relatively humidity changes in your home, so does the moisture content of the wood. This is why a furniture finish helps protect the furniture from moisture changes in your environment.

Question: Is there a finish that is the best?
Finishes fall into two general categories: natural and hard. There are a number of natural finishes including shellac, lemon oil, Danish oil and paste wax. Natural finishes are usually organic compounds that are resistant to water and alcohol spills. However, if the liquid is left standing, a stain can occur.

There are a number of hard finishes including varnish, polyurethane and catalyzed lacquer. All these finishes are petroleum based and are very durable making them impervious to water and alcohol.

Question: What are the four finish types?
A flat finish lets you see a slight reflection. A satin finish, which is quite durable and scratch resistant, allows you to see a reflection. A gloss finish hides some flaws in the woodwork, which a high gloss gives a mirror-like finish.

Question: What is the difference between refinishing and restoration?
When a piece of furniture is refinished, the old finish is completely removed. When a piece of furniture is restored, it involves a process to achieve the look of the original finish.

Question: How does the refinishing process work?
The first step is to remove all the hardware and glass and then chemically remove the old finish. If any repairs are necessary, they are completed at this time. The wood is then prepared for a new finish by sanding and using a sealer. An initial stain is then applied to even the tones of the wood and bring the color of the wood close to the desired end color. Sealer is then applied.

This process is repeated as often as necessary until a uniform color and tone is achieved. Lastly, coats of lacquer are applied to give the furniture a durable finish. Finally, all the hardware is cleaned or polished and reinstalled.

Question: How does the restoration process work?
The first step is to determine what kind of finish exists on the furniture. Before any work is started, all hardware and glass is removed and specific repairs authorized by the customer are made. The furniture is then chemically cleaned using a mild solution to remove dirt, oil, old polishes and residues. Stains and toners are used to restore the tones and colors. French polishing oils or waxes are applied by hand using special techniques to the luster and sheen of the original finish-as much as possible. The end result depends on the condition of the original finish and the wood itself. Hardware is cleaned or polished and glass is reinstalled.

Question: Can water or fire damaged furniture be restored?
Yes, at Alan Karzen Restoration, we offer techniques that can restore your furniture that has been damaged in a fire or a flood. We will work with your insurance company. Contact us for detailed information.