There are several paths to becoming an antique restorer. Antique restorers typically specialize in the repair of a single type of object. They could attend a trade school to learn about this type of object, or they could spend years working with a master restorer. Other restoration students continue their education attending graduate school to learn more about antique restoration.
Apprenticeship with an experienced restorer is probably the most common way to become an antique restorer. These individuals have extensive experience working with antiques and are the most knowledgeable instructors. Some antique restorers have studied under master restorers for years.
Some antique restorers have studied at a vocational school. A carpenter who was interested in restoring old houses, for example, may have learned carpentry. Carpentry school techniques can be applied to not only building new houses but also restoring old ones. The same concept holds true for those who learn to paint before restoring antique paintings or for those who learn to make pottery before restoring ceramics. Being able to make these kinds of objects is crucial to being able to restore them.
Another way to become an antique restorer is to enroll in an art conservation program. These programs frequently cover both the science and ethics of restoration and conservation, as well as the policies and ethics that go along with it. Students usually learn a little about a variety of restoration techniques before deciding on a specialty. These conservation programs are usually graduate-level programs that require students to have some prior knowledge of art, chemistry, and restoration before being admitted.
A student must learn the history of the type of object he wants to restore in order to become an antique restorer. A furniture restorer, for example, must be knowledgeable about the history of furniture as well as the styles of various periods in order to accurately reconstruct or repair furniture. The restoration must give the impression that the restored object was made in the correct style.
The majority of people who work as antique restorers specialize in one type of object. Some people may choose to learn how to restore antique furniture, while others may choose to learn how to restore paintings. A specialty can often be narrowed even further. For example, a restorer might specialize in the restoration of 18th century style chairs or oil paintings. Antique restoration specialists are specially trained to restore these unique, specialized objects.