Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, color-matching techniquesKnow how to fill chips, edge misses, and open grain with undoable fillers and good materials, then match colour and feel with careful grain fill and colour match so fixes hide in 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 smooth set finishes by rubbing, control shine from soft to bright, and do burnish, wax, and buff ways that make clear, deep, and good feel without going through 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 parts by lining hinges, pulls, and locks, tuning drawer and door fit, and fixing twist or stick so the fixed piece works smooth and safe every day.
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, with focus on wait times, clean up, and scraper hold to avoid veneer harm, raised grain, or base soft.
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 avoidGet clients ready for long care by telling real wear hopes, wet and light advice, safe clean ways, and things to skip, while writing down finishes and giving clear care notes.
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 find and fix loose or bad joints with hot hide glue, steady weak bases, and do right re-screw and dowel ways that match 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 putting on by planning coat numbers, build, and dry times, 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 finding greasy dirt, protein marks, and stuck dirt, pick right solvents or soaps, and cover or guard non-wood parts 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 old-style finishes like shellac, oil varnish mix, or wipe oils, knowing look, fix easy, and history to match the item's time and client wants.
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 way that cares for veneers and shapes, using right rough steps, soft around thin spots, and skip too much sand that makes waves, burns, or loses sharp design.
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
