In addition to the varieties of woods that Aaron Radelow works with, clients may also select from a wide range of figure and grain pattern within each wood species. Contrasting woods may also be used to emphasize intricate joinery. Additionally; stone, ivory, cow horn, ray skin, turtle shell, mother of pearl, pewter, and brass may also be incorporated into a design. Finally, to achieve the ultimate desired effect, sand shading will bring much added depth and life to any marquetry piece when done properly. (Aaron Radelow can saw veneers to match thickness and color for antique restorations.)

The above photo represent only a portion of eight thousand dollars
worth of certified legal antique ivory.

Note: Most woods may be purchased as either solid wood or sawn veneer, however, for extremely rare species, figure, or grain patterns only the veneer may be available. Veneer, which is a piece of specialty lumber that has been milled into thinner sheets, allows Aaron Radelow to optimized the natural beauty of the rare wood by allowing more of it to be incorporated into a design. The very finest furniture pieces in the history of civilization have been clad in veneers, due to their versatility, extravagance, and beauty.

Cube Frisage

FINISHES

On any quality piece of furniture, the finish serves as the final signature of the artist, and as the most prominent feature of a piece. A well done finish also serves as the most pivotal role in the success of a design's appearance. Among the many variations, some finishes may take as many as twenty steps to complete. It is the true artist's meticulous attention to detail that is required to expertly apply the finish to produce a piece of consummate quality.
Regardless of the style of home for which a piece is being designed, there is an accompanying finish that can create a synergistic union. Finishes may include, but are not limited to, high-gloss lacquer that is sanded and buffed to a mirror gloss, satin lacquer finishes, waxes, shellacs, varnishes, grain fillers, toners, stains, dyes, glazes, oils, tints, and French polishing.

French Polish:
It should be noted, that French polish is the very finest of all the finishes. Only the finest veneered furniture pieces and instruments, received a French polish finish. French polish is the term used to described the very labor intensive art of applying shellac. This type of finish can cost from three to four hundred dollars per square foot. This artful technique using shellac is without equal in beauty, additionally shellac is by far the best barrier to atmospheric moisture changes. Period.

Classical French polish finish applied by Aaron Radelow.

Recently, there has been renewed interest in pieces that couple distressing with an antique looking finish, it is important to note that there are many nuances of authenticity in reproducing antique finishes. In some cases, pieces of non-classical designs are "antiqued" to fit within the decor of a home. This type of "antiquing" utilizes modern chemically formulated finishing components.

Alternatively, pieces that are commissioned to exactly replicate an antique require far greater knowledge. Effort must be made to maintain the integrity of the materials and finishing processes that were used during a particular period in history, say before1900.

Aaron Radelow can expertly finish your custom made furniture piece: Touch-up or make new your heirloom antique.