The article explains many of the properties of finishes common to furniture, including advantages and disadvantages. Adhesion, flaking and compatibility tests are outlined. The finishes described are: shellac, lacquer, sanding sealers, drying oils, tung oil, varnish, alkyd resin varnish, rosin/ester gum alkyd varnish, phenolic-resin varnish, polyurethane varnish and rubbing oils. -- AATA