This is the first part of a two part article concerning finishes and furniture conservation. In part 1 the author lists four basic ethical considerations that should direct all decisions for treatment of historic furniture. Briefly these considerations are: 1) whenever possible existing finishes should be left in place, 2) materials should be used that can be removed if necessary without further damage to the object, 3) materials should be used that are stable over a long period of time, 4) the conservator's work must be detectable under close scrutiny. The need for conservators to keep accurate and detailed records of treatment is also mentioned. In addition the author emphasizes the need for conservators to have a good knowledge of the chemical nature of both historical and contemporary finishes and their solvents in order to design the best treatment for stabilizing and preserving the objects under their care. Part two of the article (Spring 1987 issue of the same journal - see same ACCN number) discusses the need for conservators to be knowledgable about furniture history and the craft of wood finishing.