Restoring vintage pieces has always fascinated me there’s something deeply satisfying about bringing history back to life. But I’ve been wrestling with a question lately: how do you approach repairs with enough confidence to make progress without crossing the line into over-restoration?
I’ve seen pieces where every scratch and patina was preserved, leaving them authentic but sometimes fragile. On the other hand, I’ve also encountered restorations so thorough that the item lost its character entirely. Where do you draw the line? For those of you with experience, what’s your philosophy when it comes to making those judgment calls? Do you have a rule of thumb, or is it more of a gut feeling?
I’d love to hear how others navigate this balance, especially when dealing with materials that are particularly delicate or historically significant. Any stories or lessons learned would be incredibly helpful!
