What patina is, and why we leave it alone

Patina is the record of a piece being used: the warm darkening of brass, the softened corners of a table, the gentle wear where hands rested on a chair arm for fifty years. It can't be faked well, and once it is sanded or polished away, it is gone.

Where you will see it

• Brass and copper that has turned a deep, even brown.

• Wood finishes that have mellowed to a honey colour.

• Leather that has gone soft and slightly darker where it is touched.

• Painted pieces with layers showing through at the edges.

Caring for it

Most of the time, the kindest thing is a gentle clean and nothing more. A soft cloth, a little mild soap and water where it is safe, and a coat of wax on wood. Skip harsh polishes and strippers unless something is actually damaged.

Wear is part of the story, and it is reflected in the price.

When restoration makes sense

If a joint is loose, a veneer is lifting or a finish is flaking, a repair helps the piece last. The goal is to keep it in use, not to make it look new.

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