Located in San Diego, California, Antique Refinishers Inc. provides restoration and conservation services of pre-industrial American and European furniture for private collectors, dealers and institutions.

As member of The American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, all work performed at Antique Refinishers Inc. respects the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of the AIC.

Our specialties include 18th century French Marquetry, French mounts, traditional veneer techniques, Finish Conservation, water and oil gilding, horse-hair hand sewn upholstery, cabinetmaking and chairmaking "at the Bench", as well as hand-made re-creations of period furniture, consulting and authentication.

We also produce our own liquid animal protein glue, a tradition that goes back to the 17th century, under our brand "Old Brown Glue".

How do we treat cultural objects that have survived centuries? What is our role in their preservation for future generations to appreciate and enjoy?

Conservation means conserving and conservators are like doctors in that they are supposed to "do no harm." They are then also obligated to keep the original material. That said, sometimes it is necessary to make difficult decisions to do invasive work for the survival of the object. In that case, the conservator becomes a restorer. Restoration is necessary when a part of the object has been damaged beyond repair by bugs or by an accident.