Antique Furniture Refinishing

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While watching a re-run of the table restoration project this morning, it struck me that doing this type of refinishing could potentially reduce the value of a true antique.  One only need watch Antiques Roadshow a few times to hear the most oft repeated phrase "If someone had not cleaned and refinished this piece, it would be worth far more."  Sio, before starting that clean-up and refinish, check with a local antiques person, better yet an expert, to see if you end up doing more harm than good.