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Old 2nd Dec 2009, 8:59 pm   #23
Aerodyne
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Hampton Vale, Peterborough, UK.
Posts: 1,698
Default Re: French polishing for beginners.

Jim, there are those who think that finishing a cabinet to the very high quality exemplified here by Col's work is a 'blasphemy' and that 'patina' (muck and scratches) is essential to remain honest about a set.
Why?
Beats me. Antiques from two centuries ago might be best left alone, woodworm, wear, dirt and all. Surely not radios. I know which I'd prefer to have in my home!
It's the difference between conservation and restoration. The latter is my preference every time. How can a scruffy radio with loose grille cloth win a concours d'elegance?
Gerry's a legend in his own lifetime but that doesn't mean he's always right.
-Tony
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