Customer Reviews

Antiques on the Cheap: A Savvy Dealer's Tips: Buying, Restoring, Selling

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I bought an antique camel-back trunk that needed lots of restoring and didn't know how to start. My friend recommended this book, and I am so glad I bought it. Not only did it give step by step on restoring a trunk but it also had a refrence page on suppliers for trunk parts. I highly recommended this book to anyone who needs to repair trunks, lamps, pottery and frames. The furniture repair section was sort of brief; I would have like to see more on this topic.

Don't let the title fool you - this is NOT just for antique dealers. As someone who is interested in antiques, but who doesn't have a lot of money, this has been a great primer on how to pick items and how to clean, fix and generally improve the the things purchased. Instructions on marbelizing, sponge painting, rebuilding lamps and stripping and refinishing furniture are all easy to understand.

This is the most helpful book I've read that in very succinct style tells how to buy, fix up, and possibly resell antiques and other second hand stuff. If you love "shabby chic", but can't afford the prices, this book will make it easier to achieve that look. This book is not for people who worry about getting their hands dirty.

THE BEST BOOK TO OWN. INEXPENSIVE AND PRACTICAL ADVISE ON HOW TO CLEAN AND REPAIR FRAMES,SILVER, BRASS (THE ONLY PLACE I'VE SEEN BRASS CLEANING THAT WORKS) TRUNKS, POTTERY, AND LAMPS. YOU DON'T NEED A WORKSHOP OR ART SUPPLIES TO USE MR. MCKENZIES' RECEIPES FOR REFURBISHMENT OR REPAIR. NO COLORED PICTURES, JUST DRAWINGS, IT'S THE TEXT THATS WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK. IF YOU CAN READ, THINK, AND FOLLOW VERY SIMPLE DIRECTIONS, THEN USE THE PRETTY COFFEE TABLE BOOKS FOR INSPIRATION AND THIS BOOK FOR REALIZATION. I USE IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER.

Length:: 1:54 Mins

I really hate the sound of my voice but I feel it is important to give a potential buyer a "look inside" the book. This was a great book except for the fact that it was published in 1998 and could use an update. However, most of the information provided by the author is timeless.

Enjoy!

This is a great book. Informative, practical, concise and easy to follow directions for restoring all types of items. I wish I'd had it years ago.

do they have websites? b29349@yahoo The tip about runnning an airbrush off a tire is great.