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TIMELESS FINISHES
ANTIQUE RESTORATION & DECORATIVE FINISHES

1503 9th Street
Leeds, AL..35094

PHONE: (205)699-3912
info@timelessfinishes.net

Timeless Finishes LLC
1503 9th Street N.E.
Leeds, AL 35094
ph: (205)699-3912
info@timelessfinishes.net

Is Refinishing Bad?

We're now in our sixth season of Antiques Roadshow on PBS... This means, of course, that
there's a real premium on the accuracy, dependability and usefulness of the information we
provide. ... I'd hate to think that we've created a subset of American furniture owners living in
dread of a fatal financial misstep (though Antiques Roadshow is, after all, a show about value,
including market value). ... Still, if I'm reading things correctly, it sounds as if Roadshow
furniture experts are saying, by and large, 'leaving things alone is good, refinishing is bad.'

Understandably, our Americana experts on the Roadshow live for wonderful old pieces of furniture
that have somehow survived in terrific condition - pieces not used too hard, left out in strong
light for long periods of time or forced to survive a flooded cellar. Most old furniture, of course,
doesn't come close to meeting those standards. On the contrary, most furniture has been well
used (even abused), scratched, broken, and often repaired many times. How could such furniture
not be improved by a good job of refinishing or restoring? ... A secretary, made by Christian
Shively in about 1820, was brought to the Indianapolis tapings this year. It had been stripped and
refinished by the owner to remove paint that had been applied many decades earlier. Appraiser
John Hays endorsed the need for refinishing and complimented the quality of the work.

... So where does that leave us? Let the record show that Antiques Roadshow generally agrees
with this notion: Well-conceived and well-executed refinishing and restoration usually enhances
the value of just about any piece of old furniture. Exceptions are those rare (often
museum-quality) pieces that have somehow survived in great 'original' condition. If we say or
imply to the contrary, we should be called on it."

"Well-conceived and well-executed refinishing and restoration usually enhances the value..."

Peter B. Cook,executive Producer, Antiques Roadshow, June 2002

This article was written by Peter B. Cook, executive producer of the popular PBS
television program Antiques Roadshow.

The article appeared in our trade publication Finishing & Restoration (formerly
Professional Refinishing Magazine) June 2002. The article addresses many of the
public concerns and mis perceptions concerning the wisdom of restoring/refinishing
antique and older furniture.

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