Methods described range from traditional to innovative. A number of articles by Jeff Jewitt deal with old-fashioned shellac methods for furniture that will warm the heart of anyone who has wielded a French polish pad. On the other hand, Sal Marino tells how to eliminate bubbles in polyurethane finishes. Some articles get quite specific, such as the one on handling early American maple and another about finishes on cherry. Some of the other subjects covered from a restorer's point of view are baskets, quilts, upholstery, books, paper, leather, porcelain, fresco, gilding, gesso, metal cleaning, silver, musical instruments, ivory, humidors, milk paint, textiles, pest control, health issues, and ethics.
Additional articles tell how to find a reputable restorer.
The association actively solicits articles on restoration topics for its Web site and a print newsletter. The discreetly placed hard sell on this Web site is the association membership appeal. More than five years ago we described an on-line bulletin board maintained by the federal government's Small Business Administration. It is a huge site with articles, finance sources, a publications catalog, free software, a business calendar, and local resources in every state. Anyone starting or running an antiques-related business would do well to browse this site.