Other Arts and Crafts Store ~ Discussion Mica shade restoration advice

raissazhou03 · 11-18-2009, 01:35:23 AM

I purchased an arts and crafts style mica shade at an antique show. The shade has 6 mica panels, each of which is incredibly decorated with arts and crafts motifs.

The shade has a few issues that I'm hoping to get some advice on the best way to tackle them.

1) The shade has a dark amber color. However, in a few places the amber color is chipped away exposing the silvery color of the mica. Is the amber color from shellac that has darkened over time? What is the best way to re-color the areas of exposed silver mica so the color will match the rest of the lamp?

2) The edges of each panel are bound with what looks like thin leather lacing. This lacing is broken in a few places and I'd like to replace it. Can anyone recommend a source for leather lacing of the type that was used back in the arts and crafts period?

3) The shade is quite dirty. Given the mica and leather lacing, what would be the best way to clean the panels?

Thanks in advance for the help

aquene27 · 11-19-2009, 03:47:50 PM

Hi! My family used to have an antique lighting repair store. My best advice is to look in your local telephone book and call a Lamp Shade recoverer. Mica shades can be brittle and it takes a lot to unlace it and redo the leather at the bottom. I'm sure they'll be able to give you the best advice for the condition of the actual lampshade.