Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, color-matching techniquesKnow how to fill chips, edge gaps, and open grain with undoable fillers and matching stuff, then fine colour and feel with careful grain fill and colour match so fixes blend unseen with nearby wood.
Choosing reversible versus permanent fillersBuilding fills for edges and corner lossesGrain filling open-pore species evenlyShaping and sanding fills flush to surfacesColor-matching fills with stains and pigmentsLesson 2Finishing details: rubbing out, satin vs. gloss levels, burnishing, waxing and buffingLook at how to fine cured finishes by rubbing, control shine from soft to bright, and master burnish, wax, and buff ways that boost clearness, depth, and touch feel without cutting the finish.
Leveling cured finishes before rub-outAbrasives and lubricants for rubbing outManaging satin, semi-gloss, and gloss levelsBurnishing techniques for edges and high spotsWax selection, application, and buffing methodsLesson 3Hardware reinstallation and stabilizing moving parts, final alignment and drawer fit adjustmentsPut back fittings and steady moving bits by lining hinges, pulls, and locks, tuning drawer and door fit, and fixing twist or stick so the fixed piece works smooth and safe daily.
Cleaning and lubricating original hardwarePositioning and piloting for new screwsAligning doors, hinges, and catchesAdjusting drawer runners and slidesStabilizing wobbly legs and moving partsLesson 4Finish removal options: chemical strippers (types, dwell time), heat gun methods, solvent sanding — techniques to avoid veneer damageCompare ways to take off finish, like chemical strippers, heat guns, and solvent sand, stressing wait times, calm down, and scraper hold to dodge veneer harm, raised grain, or base soften.
Evaluating existing finish and substrate risksChoosing between solvent and caustic strippersControlling dwell time and safe scrapingHeat gun use without scorching veneerNeutralizing residues before refinishingLesson 5Client handover: long-term care, humidity recommendations, cleaning products to avoidReady clients for long good by saying real wear hopes, wet and light tips, safe clean ways, and goods to skip, while noting finishes and giving clear write care guides.
Explaining realistic wear and maintenanceHumidity, temperature, and light guidelinesApproved cleaners and products to avoidWritten care sheets and finish documentationScheduling follow-up checks and touch-upsLesson 6Repairing structural issues: regluing joints with hide glue, reinforcing weakened substrates, re-screwing and doweling protocolsLearn to spot and fix loose or broke joints with hot hide glue, steady weak bases, and use right re-screw and dowel ways that honour original build while making full strong again.
Assessing loose joints and failed adhesivesPreparing and heating traditional hide glueRegluing mortise-and-tenon and dowel jointsReinforcing weakened substrates and railsRe-screwing, plugging, and redrilling protocolsLesson 7Coating application: number of coats, dry times, sanding between coats, humidity and temperature controlGet hold of coat put-on by planning coat numbers, build thick, and dry waits, sand between, and handle shop wet and heat so finishes set right, no faults, and get wanted shine.
Planning number of coats and target film buildBrushing, wiping, and spraying techniquesFlash, recoat, and full cure time managementSanding between coats for adhesion and levelHumidity, temperature, and dust controlLesson 8Preparation: cleaning methods for greasy grime, protein stains, and surface dirt; masking and protecting non-wood partsMaster safe, full clean before refinish by spotting greasy dirt, protein marks, and stuck dirt, picking right solvents or soaps, and cover or guard non-wood bits from wet and chemical harm.
Identifying grime, wax, and protein residuesDetergent, solvent, and emulsifier selectionStepwise cleaning workflow and dwell timesRinsing, drying, and preventing water damageMasking metal, upholstery, and glass partsLesson 9Applying a period-appropriate finish: choosing between shellac, oil/varnish blend, or wiping oils with rationaleLearn to pick and put on time-right finishes like shellac, oil-varnish mix, or wipe oils, knowing their look, fix ease, and history place to match piece time and client hopes.
Reading style and era to guide finish choiceShellac cuts, padding, and brushing methodsOil and varnish blend mixing and wipingUsing wiping oils for subtle, low-build looksBalancing authenticity with durability needsLesson 10Surface preparation and sanding sequences: grit progression, feathering around veneer edges, avoiding over-sandingBuild a strict sand flow that honours veneers and shapes, using right grit steps, feather thin spots, and skip over-sand that makes waves, burn, or lose sharp design bits.
Planning grit progression by wood and finishHand vs. machine sanding and pad selectionFeathering near veneer edges and inlaysMaintaining profiles, beads, and carvingsSpot repairs without telegraphing patches
