Sandra Lee, that is why WOOD ELIXIR was invented! Since 99% of all antique furniture has a shellac finish, and shellac is the most vulnerable of finishes, you must be extremely careful in your treatment of any surface problems. Here is the conundrum: the finish on the furniture is frequently in such poor condition as to require refinishing. But, refinishing is expensive and the old finish is more valuable than a new finish. Consequently, you can spend money refinishing and actually REDUCE the value of the piece. What do you do? I busied myself with that challenge and, in 1995, came up with the concoction I now call WOOD ELIXIR. It will clean, rejuvenate, and strenghthen the original finish without adversly affecting the 'patina' or character of the original finish. This is all accomplished at one time with one product. Unlike refinishing which results in a new looking antique, Wood Elixir produces a well-kept antique piece of furniture which is more valuable.