How to update family heirloom antique cupboard?
I have an ornate, heavy looking, single piece with one small upper door and 2 lower center opening doors (no glass, solid wood), with one drawer in between them. I think it is about 1880s European, with very dark stain. Sorry, I don't have ability to show pictures. Not sure if I should sand and paint, or do something to simply lighten it up and highlight the carving.
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You can do whatever you want but if it is that old and from Europe, anything you do to it other than cleaning , will ruin it's value. That old dark original stain is most desired with collectors. If you find it's not worth much, have fun with it
Hi, I agree with Kell's answer. You really need to get a value on this piece before you do anything to it.
Try cleaning and using hemp oil. I agree with both above on lowered value if you shift from the original dark finish.