Thanks for all the advice. I knew I was opening a can of worms.

I realize all the implications of restoration and what it means to value and
all the rest. The pieces I am working on are from my late great aunt's
estate and farmhouse and I am "re-working/re-finishing" them for my
children. Some were in very bad shape...finish and structurally. The
farmhouse was not air conditioned and used wood stoves for heat along with
propane floor heaters which caused damage over time. I am not trying to
become a antique furniture restorer or professional (I don't even have a
workshop)...just to give some family heirlooms to my children for them to
have. I know that if you have a piece; the moment you do anything to it
you have taken from its "value."

These are not museum pieces or even pieces for sale to someone...just 100
year old furniture, oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, etc., that I am doing
piece by piece over time to pass along through my family. Most of what I
have learned and done I have "figured out" as I go along. I realize a
professional could do a much better job, but I wanted my children to have
them as something I had helped to salvage somewhat and as a gift to them
from my hands.

Thanks again.


"Mike G" wrote in message
...
First, just a tip. I'd be careful about the word restoration. This implies
the ability to bring the piece back to life with little or no impact on
it's
antique value. This usually entails the work of a very highly trained and
experienced conservator. You would not someone to give you a very
expensive
piece expecting you to "restore" it when what you really do is repair and
refinish it. They may take some umbrage at the 90% reduction in antique
value.God only know how they would express that umbrage.

Next, I've got a dozen books on the subject but someone here, a couple of
months ago mentioned "Restoration Recipes" by James Bain and Julia Bierre.
I
got my copy at amazon.com My thanks to whoever it was that suggested the
book and I recommend it highly.

Last, there really is no one formula or finish. Each salvage job has to be
assessed and attacked on it's own merits. I do suggest that a very good
method of "fixing" things is lacquer, you can get spray cans of deft at
any
home store. Not especially economical for huge finishing jobs but just
right
for repair work. And the use of toners.

Hope it helps

--
Mike G.

Heirloom Woods
www.heirloom-woods.net
"Campbell Freeman" wrote in message
...
After reading this newsgroup for a while, I see many opinions about
finishes
for antique furniture repair & restoration. What is the consensus as to
the
best topcoat for antique furniture after restoration, repair, and
staining?
I do not use lacquer and do not have a sprayer. I do work on a small
scale...a few pieces at a time and am not a professional. I have used
tung
oil and Waterlox (tung oil) with good results in the past. Are there
better
alternatives?

Thanks very much,

Campbell Freeman