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