The Basics of Antique Safe Restoration
At Hayden Safe & Lock, we’re not only concerned with modern security. We also have an appreciation for antique locks and safes. These items are beautiful works of quality craftsmanship that can still keep your valuables secure with the proper upkeep. If you have an antique safe in need of restoration, our team can help you return it to its former glory.
There are many steps to antique safe restoration. Let’s take a look at the first half of the process.
Assessment and Documentation
Before we begin, we assess and document the current condition of the safe. The assessment is a careful inspection of the safe. We note any damage, rust, missing parts, or mechanical issues to get a better understanding of what we will have to repair or replace during the restoration. While we are inspecting the safe, we also take photos of the safe from various angles so we can refer back to them later. We also record the serial numbers, markers, or other unique features that will help us track down any information about the safe that we might need.
Disassembly
After the assessment and documentation is complete, we can begin carefully disassembling the safe. We keep track of each part as we disassemble the safe and document the order and orientation to assist us when we reassemble the safe later.
Cleaning and Mechanical Restoration
Once we have disassembled the safe, we begin to clean each part. This process involves using various cleaning solutions to remove rust and grime from the safe parts. We avoid using abrasive materials so that we don’t damage the safe.
The next step after cleaning the safe is to restore the mechanisms. If parts are missing or damaged beyond repair, we source authentic replacements to preserve the integrity of the safe. We also lubricate the moving parts to ensure the door and locking mechanism operate smoothly.
Repainting of Finishing
Restoring an antique safe does not just involve repairing the moving parts. It also involves restoring the look of the safe. Rust, corrosion, and age can cause the original finish or paint to come off. Using a gentle paint stripper to avoid damaging the metal, we remove what remains of the old paint or finish. We then sand the surface and repaint it with a historically accurate paint or finish.
