Trefler Restoration - The Fine Art of Restoring Your Favorite Things

3558Consider Custom Framing as a Holiday Gift: All You Need to Know

If you’ve recently invested in a piece of artwork or perhaps created one yourself, you’re probably wondering about the best way to display and protect that composition over time. For some people, framing and mounting their artwork is an afterthought that usually doesn’t get too much consideration when it comes to aesthetics and quality. However, custom frames can breathe new life into your artwork, complimenting its features while keeping it protected for many years.

What Is Custom Framing?

When framing their artwork, some people make their way to the local crafts store and try and find a pre-made shell that will fit their piece. The problem with this method is that most store-bought frames are not ideally suited for the artwork they are supporting, whether it’s improper sizing, poor quality or lack of visual impact. At Trefler’s, our approach to framing is very different. With more than 20 years of design and production experience, our artisans will build you a custom framing solution for your paper, canvas, or textile artwork that is truly unique. Rather than choosing a bland pre-made frame, we work with companies like C & J Frames, Roma Molding, and Picture Woods, to allow you to select fully customizable framing, designs, and hardwood moldings for your artwork. These frame designs are then sized perfectly to match the dimensions of your artwork while ensuring your art is properly situated and protected.

Why Should You Consider Custom Framing?

Custom framing can bring many benefits to a recently purchased piece of artwork. First off, a custom-designed frame can add an elaborate or subtle outline to the article that genuinely accentuates its beauty. This type of design work isn’t found in local crafts stores and requires a personalized service that we can provide at Trefler’s. However, it’s not just the aesthetic of the frame that we focus on, but also its quality and ability to protect the piece that it’s supporting. At Trefler’s, we work with Tru Vue® to provide museum quality materials like UV-filtering glass to ensure your artwork stays safeguarded for many years. Tru Vue®’s acrylic products effectively block up to 99 percent of harmful UV light rays, ensuring your artwork maintains its integrity over time.

How Much Does Custom Framing Cost?

Just like no two pieces of art are the same, no custom framing solution is the same either. Due to this fact, there are no fixed costs associated with a custom framing project at Trefler’s. However, because of a large number of available options of display cases, mounts, and raw hardwoods, we have custom framing solutions that fit any project and budget, large or small. Typically, custom framing can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks for smaller projects and 6-8 weeks for larger, more complex ones. However, if you provide us with details of the custom framing solution you’re looking for, we’ll get back to you within 48-hours with expected lead-times and the costs associated.

Why Should You Hire a Custom Framing Service?

In many cases, do-it-yourself framing jobs can be time-consuming and potentially be damaging to your artwork. This issue is especially the case when working with delicate fabric paintings that require unique frame mounting specifications and sizes. When you think about the value of your artwork, investing in its sustainability should be an essential consideration. That’s why hiring a custom framing service makes sense for many artwork enthusiasts. At Trefler’s, our experienced and dedicated staff members hold just as much value in your artwork as you do. With more than 20 years in the custom framing industry, Trefler’s deploys century-old techniques to create and restore the most beautiful and unique frames in all shapes and sizes.

3529The restoration of the George Frisbie Hoar bookcases

Recently Trefler’s restoration was chosen to restore 7 eight foot tall wooden bookcases belonging to a Metro West resident. As the project unfolded, Trefler’s was able to bring the bookcases back to their original state and in addition, learned more about the history of the bookcases, as well as about the family themselves. A fascinating story and restoration process emerged.

The eight foot tall classically influenced bookcases and card catalogue restored by Trefler’s originally belonged to George Frisbie Hoar, an American attorney and politician. He was a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives (1852-1853), a Massachusetts State Senator (1857-1858), a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (1869-1877) and represented Massachusetts for 27 years in the U.S. Senate from 1877 until his death in 1904. From his 1904 eulogy in the Congressional Record an excerpt read “To see Senator Hoar among his books in his own library was to see him at his best.”

The bookcases traveled from Hoar’s residence in Worcester, MA to Washington D.C. and most recently to the residence of his great-great grandson in Metrowest Boston. In recent years, these unique classical pieces sustained both water and transit-related damages. Trefler’s was commissioned to reverse these damages in order to restore the bookcases to their former glory. Founded in 1921, Trefler’s specializes in fine art and antique restoration with a focus on maintaining the integrity of fine and applied artworks through the preservation of original materials and finishes. All of our work is completed by hand by trained artists and conservators.

For this set of 7 bookcases built with classical architectural influences, Trefler’s focused on fabricating missing sections of the dentils which decorate the crown molding and fabricating capitals which sit atop the columns separating each bookcase. Further restoration included finish conservation which blended areas of color and finish loss. We also secured the joints of the bases, back panels, and all existing architectural elements. After repairing and leveling the plinths of each section, we refit each door to operate smoothly. Fabrication included duplication of separating columns, crown molding, architectural scrolls, trim moldings, and finally frame and panel side sections.

This extensive project highlights Trefler’s aptitude for design, traditional craftsmanship, and historically appropriate attention to detail. The bookcases have been delivered, installed and secured in the client’s home library and the shelves now display the family’s extensive collection of books, many of which were also inherited from Senator Hoar.

3421Did you know?

Trefler’s was featured in the Boston Design Guide!

THE VALUE OF RESTORATION

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 | MADDIE BRISBANE

There is something to be said for preserving the past for future generations. Many homeowners are discovering a renewed appreciation for timeless older furnishings and decor, encouraging a shift back to the value found in the exceptional craftsmanship of the past.

Since 1921, Trefler’s has been the go-to resource in the world of restoration, with a highly-skilled and passionate team that can really do it all. Embracing a hands-on approach, nearly everything at Trefler’s is done by hand, emphasizing the importance of individual attention, detail, and care. From sentimental heirlooms to intriguing antique finds, the variety of treasures that Trefler’s can expertly revive, refinish, and repurpose is vast.

(This large antique olive jar was repaired and restored by Trefler’s. Reassembling the 11 broken pieces required the jar to be filled and sanded along the breaks, and color matched as closely to the original as possible.)

Though it might be tempting to buy new, restoring older furniture and decor is an eco-friendly alternative. Opting for restoration over buying new can reduce waste and conserve resources. Repurposing existing items minimizes the demand for new materials and reduces the environmental impact associated with manufacturing, transportation, and disposal.

*(Before and after: A gorgeous desk, once hazy, water damaged, and ridden with crazing is restored, with its original finish cleaned and conserved.)*

Trefler’s restoration repertoire covers furniture, decorative arts, books, metal, paintings, frames, works on paper, upholstery, chandeliers, and more. Their processes blend traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to breathe new life into cherished possessions. “We recognize that each piece entrusted to us is an investment for the client, and we do not take that lightly,” says Laura Sheehan, Vice President and 23-year veteran of Trefler’s. “We are committed to delivering a high-end product that respects the history and integrity of the original.”

Choosing to restore also provides a unique opportunity for customization and personalization. Whether it be refinishing, repainting, or reupholstering, Trefler’s process includes working with clients to tailor the piece to their personal styles and preferences. “From our small team of 12 staff dedicated to their craft, our goal is to align with the client’s vision while offering insight on optimal treatments and custom projects,” Sheehan explains.

*(Before, during, and after: Painting restoration is another service offered by Trefler’s, in addition to custom framing services. Here is a peek into the process of a painting being cleaned.)*

Beyond traditional furniture restoration, their expertise includes reassembling furniture, reattaching parts, fabricating missing elements, and tackling cosmetic issues such as stripping, refinishing, and addressing water damage. Customers have the option to bring their projects directly to Trefler’s for estimates, or a Trefler’s expert can go to them on site. Trefler’s also provides assistance for claims; for example, if a piece is exposed to fire, soot, water, or mold they can also help to restore it.

“We like the challenge of turning something that may have seen better days or is no longer functional, and transform it into something amazing,” Sheehan shares. “It’s rewarding.”

(Before and after: Designed to better fit a breakfast nook, this 4-legged table was transformed into a pedestal table. The newly designed base was color matched to blend seamlessly with the original piece.)

Through a blend of traditional craftsmanship, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for history, the services at Trefler’s serve as a promising alternative to the over-consumption of mass-produced furnishings and decor. By placing a premium on conserving and reviving the prized and precious items that define our past, homeowners can blaze a new trail in shaping a future full of character and quality.

3389Winter weather advice from Trefler’s claims department

Winter weather advice from Trefler’s claims department

Welcome to winter in New England! If you’ve lived here long enough, you are no stranger to the joys and perils that New England winter weather brings, and if you’re a seasoned homeowner, you understand the potential perils only tenfold. This week, as we brave another bout of inclement snow and sleet, our Claims’ specialists shares advice on how to avoid winter’s most common mishaps, and how to clean up after the worst of them!

Soot residue from puff-backs or fire incidents alike may stain any exposed surface material in the vicinity. Fortunately, with thorough treatment, remediation is possible.

Puff-backs

Never heard the term? Puff-backs are the occurrence of smoke and soot being forced back into the home through exhaust systems and chimneys. What causes them? Puff backs are created by improperly functioning furnaces, water boilers and heating systems. Unburned fuel can accumulate causing a buildup of flammable material. When starting up a heating system, this leftover fuel ignites, causing an oil burner backfire, forcing smoke and soot back into the home through venting and chimneys.

A good rule of thumb to avoid a puff-back is to keep an eye on potential signs that your heating system may be malfunctioning. Indicators include a sooty boiler room, a loud noise when starting up and shutting off your heating system, as well as oil leaks and drips along connecting piping. Another important prevention method is to schedule regular maintenance and servicing for your home heating system, as well as frequent professional cleaning to remove potential buildup of residue in your chimney.

Too late? Fortunately, remediation after a puff-back has occurred is possible, and may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance. Trefler’s frequently works in tandem with clients’ insurance companies to address damage, provide restoration services, and common types of treatment in these events. Typical treatment includes stain and soot removal as well as Ozone treatment to remove lingering smoke odors.

The table featured above suffered a major water loss in the wake of a pipe bursting in this New England home. Trefler’s furniture conservators were able to successfully treat damage by stripping away a water-stained finish, replacing incidents of bubbling veneer and refinishing the table in its entirety in order to bring back the original luster and sheen of the wood. We are proud to see this stunning piece back in its home.

Freezing Pipes

Water losses due to frozen pipes are one of the most frequent events that Trefler’s claims team encounter each winter. Massachusetts is no stranger to dramatic dips and peaks in temperature in very short periods of time. This extreme variation is a key player in causing pipes to freeze, melt, and essentially burst; resulting in often quite dramatic flooding within the home.

How to avoid frozen pipes? Make sure to always set a consistent base temperature to prevent freezing from the outset. Even if warm weather is anticipated, be sure to put measures in place to avoid any opportunity for your home’s pipes to freeze, especially if you plan to leave (for say a warmer climate) for an extended period of time. If flooding from frozen pipes does occur, time is of the essence. Prevent further mold damage by addressing any flooding event as soon as possible.

Spring isn’t the end of it…

Although we are all optimists that spring will come early each year, our team urges you to keep in mind that spring is also one of the most frequent times we see pipes burst. Spring in New England means anticipating the inevitable temperature dip, even come early April, so do continue monitoring your home’s heating well beyond winter’s end.

The before and after images above demonstrate how a finish might appear hazy due to fluctuations in humidity or temperature.

Dry Air Damage

Just like our skin suffers during the winter season, organic materials like wood, leather and paper are similarly affected by the humidity of an interior environment, and lack thereof.

Forced air especially poses problems for items placed near vents and units. Even with the best intentions of conserving energy, if heating is scheduled with fluctuations between day and night, this unstable temperature and humidity will seriously impact wood and leather.

Trefler’s claims team suggests taking preventable measure to help abate issues caused from dry winter air. For preserving finished wood furniture, simply applying a wax every 6 months can make a major difference in preserving it. How to tell if wood is in need? “You can kind of tell when the finish will start to become a little hazy or less translucent. Other pieces might start to crack, which is a telltale sign that the wood is becoming brittle”. He suggests using a natural wax, such as beeswax for the job.

Another piece of advice that will help both your furniture and your own health is to invest in an inexpensive humidifier for areas of the home prone to extreme dryness (hint: your bathroom and kitchen will tend to have more exposure to moisture). By keeping the humidity consistent, dry, forced air will have a lesser impact on woods.

If a piece of wood furniture is oiled rather than coated with a finish, the same rules apply in making sure that wood is cared for and oiled approximately every 6 months to preserve its surface and structure. Cracking is the most extreme result of wood affected by moisture, however warping and shrinking are also a common outcome.

A fascinating fact that we’d like to share, is that because wood has oils in its natural state, re-applying oil throughout its lifespan keeps it supple and healthy. Even more interesting is that paying attention to the type of wood you’re treating will determine which oils might work best. For example, olive wood is very happy to get some TLC from Olive Oil!

Already Cracked?

If an item has already suffered damage and shows cracks to its surface, we advise that restoration is still possible. Our furniture specialists can do a conserve on the finish which would include light sanding or re-amalgamating the finish in order to soften and spread the finish to even it out in cases of modest cracking or opening of the wood grain.

This antique carousel horse was severely damaged also due to fire.

Safety First

Another culprit for indoor fire damage is portable space heaters. Even when used under careful supervision, space heaters become extremely hot, frequently damaging textiles and delicate materials in close proximity.

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see the more dramatic and dangerous results of these types of heating equipment each winter, which include fire loss, either to just a few items, or in more extreme cases to fire loss to an entire property. Always unplug and properly turn-off space heaters when not in use, and the same goes for heating pads or other small electrical items, to boot!

A cherished cabinet that underwent extensive restoration after a fire loss.

Fire: Friend or Foe

We all love to cozy up to a crackling fire come winter. And candles create a greatly relaxing atmosphere during a season of low natural light. However, our claims team tremors at the sight of a tapered candlestick or stack of seasoned firewood. While fire is indeed a sure way to create ambiance at home, it should always be treated with extreme respect and caution. No matter if you’re lighting a candle or a full-blown hearth. Also, even under the best and safest circumstances, fire will still have an affect on items in close proximity to its flame, from trace amounts of smoke and the heat created. Candle wax staining is a less threatening type of damage from fire, but keep in mind that paintings, artworks, and porcelain will be stained or soiled by too much time spent fireside.

If you are currently cleaning up from a winter weather accident yourself, or wish to learn more about how our claims team can help in cases of insurance, fire or water losses, please reach out to a member of our team.

3340Did you know?

Trefler’s features Protective Enclosures for Books

Trefler’s book conservator can help you protect your favorite book with a book enclosure, which provides structural support and protection from the environment.

This could be appropriate for valuable books and/or books that hold special meaning for you. Book enclosures are made to precisely fit the dimensions of the book after exact measurements.

Our book conservator recommends a drop spine box, (sometimes called a clam shell box). This is an attractive presentation which can be customized with various covering materials (book cloth, paper, etc.). This can also be customized to hold other materials.