On this page you'll read about the restoration process. Restoration is not just refinishing, it is a top to bottom, inside and out process that is a labor of love which I take great pride in.  

From here enjoy Marschak's photo gallery where there are pages of photos representing a selection of fine and scarce antique pool tables for sale.

The Frame

The frame of the table is stripped of its old finish then any necessary repairs to the veneers and moldings are done. When repairing the veneer I use woods that match the originals. Matching woods from years past is a very hard  process.

The frame is then sanded with 220 grit paper and stained with dye base stains to obtain the original factory shade and color. These dye based stains, as originally used, are optimal for a stable color and not break down under ultra violet rays.

All tables then receive a Hand rubbed semi gloss lacquer finish. 

The Frame Interior

The interior of the frame is painted to the original color for the period. 1880s tables were black prior to rust color in the 1890s and early 1900s. This Saratoga model is a 1890s design.

Rails

Rosewood, Ivory sights and Rail Liners are replaced on most every table I restore. The rail tops are veneered with Brazilian Rosewood as originally used, then Ivory is cut for sights as originally placed in the factory.

Rail Liners  

Rail liners are the milled strips on the inside of the rails that the Cushions are glued to. Over  years tacks, staples and play deteriorate and often loosen them, when loose they must be replaced for proper play. I compound miter the liners to Billiard congress of America specifications apply Brunswick Superspeed cushions and facings then cover them with Simonis #860 Belgium cloth

Bolt Covers

I offer bright Brass on the more elaborate inlayed tables and also Acid tarnished, hand polished covers which many prefer for carved tables and simpler designs. Feel free to specify when ordering.

Pockets

Pockets are replaced maintaining the original Pocket irons which I re-plate in Nickel as originally produced. When the original irons are missing I replace them with recasts of the proper vintage iron for the tables period.

Slates

The slates are checked for stripped barrel nuts which are replaced as necessary. These are the nuts that secure the rails in place. Then the slates are secured to their frames, pocket drops repaired or replaced and any scratches to the slates are filled or if necessary the slates are resurfaced to ensure perfect play.

Assembly and photographs

The table is then assembled and photographed in the shop for the customers approval prior to delivery.

Delivery and set up

All tables are blanket wrapped delivered and set up by myself, Lou Marschak.

Finished Oak and Mahogany Examples

Not all finishes are the same. With dye based stains and my years of experience I bring out the depth and contrast in the grain. This process brings back to life the woods natural beauty.

Here are examples of my dyed finish with Lacquer compared to oil stain with Lacquer. 

Note the depth and color from the use of dye based stains on the sample above. This right Oak example was done in oil stain. Same wood type and grain with a completely different effect.

Dyed Mahogany above exposes the woods beauty opposed to Oil based stains on the right example.    Both have the same lacquered finishes on Mahogany with different stains. types.                                                  

What not to do!

Marriages are made in heaven others in Garages and Work Shops

A Marriage in the Antique Business is when a piece of an item, whether it is to a chest of drawers a tractor or a pool table, is missing and rather than properly replacing it, a piece from another item is used. What you end up with is two halves, often with incorrect wood types, wrong style, period or vintage. Of the tables I've looked at many were missing legs, slates, rails or have had pieces poorly replaced over the years.

Don't spend your money on one of these! When you buy  a table stay away from marriages and other appliqués that are used to enhance appearance. Stick with what was original to the table.

                                                                    CLICK HERE TO GO TO MARSCHAK'S PHOTO GALLERY OF ANTIQUE POOL TABLES