By Andrea Daley

Article #4 of 5 on FINE PORCELAIN RESTORATION.

I have given you information on categorizing your item, (Article #1) cleaning your item (Article #2) and gluing your item.(Article #3) But, if your piece is in a state of damage that needs the attention of the professional, I now will guide you through the process of locating a qualified restorer.

1. Categorize

2. Qualifying the Restorer

3. Check references

There are many factors to consider, when you choose to have an item restored. First, categorize your item as outlined in Article 1. Does your item fall under Historical or Non-historical. This will give you the first direction to take. Whether you are bringing it to a Conservator or a Restorer, the next two steps are the same in choosing a qualified specialist.

Second, to qualify a restorer, you must locate one. It is my advise to locate three and then choose the one who fits your needs. Having a restorer in your area does not mean that you will receive quality service. Customers, time and time again, have brought me pieces that other restorers have worked on. In most cases more damage has been done, and now extra time has to be spent to undo what had been ineffectively performed. Check your yellow pages under Antique Restoration, Porcelain Restoration, Fine Art Services, Artists. Call Fine Art Galleries, Ceramic Studios, and Antique Dealers.. If there is a local restorer in your area, one of those sources will let you know. If no local restorer can be found then you will have to use the mail. Numerous restorers are listed in trade publications, such as the one you are reading. Do not forget your library. Sometimes, only a phone call will get you the information. If a local restorer is available then make an appointment to visit. If none are available then write to each. Of course visiting a restorer, will let you see the quality of work. If while doing your research, the same name repeatedly comes up as a reputable restorer, then you probably have located a competent person. As I have cautioned you, in my previous articles on: what direction to take; what you can do and what you should let the professional attend to, I now caution you to qualify a restorer after locating one.

The following list of questions will qualify a restorer.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS?

If someone has been in business for only a short time, then you should proceed cautiously. Find out where they acquired their training. Be sure all of the following questions are addressed.

ARE YOUR RESTORATIONS VISIBLE TO THE NAKED EYE?

Do not assume just because someone is a restorer that they are going to be able to perform the work that you may be expecting. Some people will be happy with just having an item adhered back together, another is expecting a repair to be invisibly restored to the naked eye and there is the person who is going to take out a magnifying glass and examine it to see if there is any detection of restoration to the repaired area. If you are the person who is going to closely scrutinize a restored area, then it is only fair to let the restorer know up front what your expectations are. It takes many hours to perform a restoration so the naked eye can not detect a repair. It takes even longer to make it undetectable by a magnifying glass. And it takes even more time to undo an existing repair and re-do it.

If you are a dealer, let it be known that the item is for resale, and you will not be able to sell it if the restoration will be detected. This is not for the purpose of deception , but for the aesthetic. beauty, and therefore this information should be given to the new owner. It is only prudent that the restoration be noted, and instructions not to soak, put in a dishwasher or use abrasive cleaners on the item. This information needs to be disclosed up front to prevent any misunderstandings after someone has acquired the piece. A restoration professional is not in the business of buying and selling and must not be held accountable for any damage done to the repaired area. Always inform the restorer, ahead of time, if the item is for resale. This will allow the restorer the option to accept or refuse the challenge.

A question that has been asked many times by dealers is; "Can I have a wholesale price or discount?" I have always found this question difficult to answer. This person is not wanting to put much money into the item because it is for resale, and they are going to be very scrutinizing of the work. In some cases , after the work is completed a jewelers loop is used to examine the repair. Does it make sense to discount work when more time is needed to bring a repair to the dealers expectations? And of course, the restorer will have to redo the repair if the least indication of a repair has been detected. If you are a dealer, be prepared to pay for the time that needs to be given to a damaged item. There is no way to discount someone's talent, time and effort. A capable restorer can provide you with quality, but it is only fair for the restorer to be compensated for his/her time.

DO YOU HAVE SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK or BEFORE AND AFTER PICTURES?

"A picture is worth a thousand words." A restorer may not have a variety of samples to show someone the versatility and quality of work. Ask if they have before and after pictures. This will show you the restorers capabilities and items he/she has experience on. Ask if it is possible to see any current projects. Do not eliminate a restorer because they do not have a showroom of samples and professional before and after pictures. It is by the nature of the business that when an item is completed, to have the customer pick it up. It is more important if you can have a reference from someone who has had previous work done. Of course if an item can be shown as a sample of their work, then immediately you can judge if this is the restorer for you.

WHAT ARE YOUR GUARANTEES?

Ask if they guarantee their work. If there is flaking or cloudiness that becomes apparent after weeks in your possession, is the restorer going to be receptive to redo your piece? Depending on the paints used, sometimes it only takes weeks before discoloration occurs. Check to make sure they guarantee there will be no color change.

DO YOU HAVE INSURANCE?

Do not assume your items are insured just because the restorer is in business. For most restorers the insurance rates are so high that it just is not profitable to carry insurance. If your item is of high value and the restorer does not have insurance, then contact your insurance company and ask to have it covered while not in your possession.

WHAT IS YOUR TURN AROUND TIME?

Once you feel confident with the capabilities of the restorer, check what the turn around time is. Usually a good restorer has a long waiting time, that can vary from months to years. Ask them to give you a projected date. If they go past this date, ask for another, if they do not stand by their time commitment or if you can wait no longer, then I suggest seeking out another restorer. Do not expect to have your item returned within days. In some cases it may take days or weeks to complete the drying times of a process.

Third, check references if there is any doubt with the responses from the above information. If a restorer has been highly recommended then you have an idea of what services to expect. Word of mouth has always been my best advertising. But, if you are unable to obtain information prior to visiting the restorer, and have not been satisfied with the answers given, then politely request if they could give you two or three past customers. If they are hesitant to give names, then I suggest you be hesitant with leaving your valuable possessions and search out another restorer who would be more qualified.