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Springdale
Rehabilitative Institute |
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web site section unveils the brand new, improved
Springdale Rehabilitative Institute. What is the
S.R.I you may ask? Well... think of it as a spa
for vintage Heywood-Wakefield pieces. They arrive
at the Institute looking rather... well... a little
worse for the wear. Then, magic happens. |
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| Here
at the Institute we utilize state-of-the-art furniture
therapies and state-of-the-art tools;
including (but not limited to) sandpaper, stains,
sprayers and, the ever popular, manual labor.
Judiciously applied, these can totally transform
each piece. |
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After
a stay at the institute, colors are wheatier (or
champagnier), legs are smoother, arches are firmer
and finishes are smoother than a Barry White intro.
And best of all, this magical makeover is accomplished
without the necessity of a botox party! After the
Springdale makeover those rejuvenated beauties are
ready to give their new owners a lifetime of service
and good vibes (a Heywood-Wakefield exclusive).
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If
you've read this far, you're obviously ready for
the serious part. Here goes...
When we refinish vintage Heywood-Wakefield our
goal is to approximate the original finish (either
wheat or champagne) as closely as possible. We
also do a "natural" or clear finish,
but do not endorse that because it's not in keeping
with the look intended by Heywood-Wakefield designers.
Because birch has a wildly varying grain pattern,
Heywood-Wakefield's original slightly opaque finish
give each piece a more cohesive look. You see
the grain, but it's muted. In "natural "
finishes each board varies from the others - standing
apart and detracting from the overall appearance. |
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| In
terms of value, Heywood-Wakefield is like any other
antique or vintage furniture: original finish in
original excellent condition is the most valuable.
If refinishing is necessary (and with Heywood-Wakefield
is usually is), a finish that reproduces its original
look is the next most valuable. Any other finish
that is not in keeping with the intended finish
greatly diminishes value.
At Springdale we regard a clear finish as arresting
the refinishing process halfway. At any time a wheat
or champagne finish can be applied. So it doesn't
ruin the value in the manner that a non-original
dark stain does. |
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Another
bit of seriously:
Refinishing Heywood-Wakefield does not necessarily
mean that each piece will look brand new. Blonde
finishes are much less forgiving (even if they
do have more fun) than dark finishes. Each piece
usually has some evidence that it's 40, 50 or
60 years old. The end result of refinishing
is
in direct correlation to how rough the piece
was prior to refinishing. We try not to buy
severely
compromised pieces because they don't turn out
as well as pieces that were in better condition.
When we do have pieces that aren't exemplary
we will reflect that in the price. Frequently,
prices
will differ for the same models on our web site
and shop. This a reflection of condition.
In any
event, each piece has its own character, which
is why we strongly encourage telephone calls
(269-756-9896).
Via telephone we can discuss at length the pieces,
and the client's expectations. Our main
concern
is that you be satisfied in your transaction
with Springdale.
O. K., enough seriousness. We have to return to
our regularly scheduled goofiness. |
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Updated on
Sunday, December 14, 2003 12:48 PM
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