This is the second part of a two part article concerning furniture finishes and furniture conservation. In part 2 the author discusses the need for the conservator to be knowledgeable about the history (ancient and recent past) of furniture design styles, structure and finishing processes so that treatments appropriate to the period of the object will be considered. In addition, furniture conservators must posses all of the craft skills that any finisher would have since they must not only decide on the appropriate treatment, but must implement the treatment as well. The author emphasizes that each piece of furniture has its own unique set of problems. Therefore, conservators must use their combined knowledge of material science, furniture history and conservation ethics to design an appropriate treatment for each case. Finally they must apply their craft skills to complete the conservation of the furniture in their care. Part 1 of this article discusses conservation ethics and paint chemistry (see the Winter 1987 issue of the same journal - same ACCN number).