Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, color-matching techniquesLearn to fill chips, edge gaps, and open grain with undoable fillers and matching materials, then adjust colour and feel with careful grain filling so repairs blend unseen with 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 buffingLearn to perfect cured finishes by rubbing, control shine from satin to gloss, and master burnishing, waxing, buffing for better clarity, depth, and touch without breaking the surface.
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 adjustmentsRefit fittings and steady moving parts by aligning hinges, handles, locks, adjusting drawer and door fit, fixing twists or sticks for smooth, safe daily use.
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 removal methods like chemical strippers, heat guns, solvent sanding, stressing wait times, neutralising, scraper skill to dodge veneer harm, raised grain, or base softening.
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 lasting care by sharing real wear hopes, dampness and light tips, safe cleaning ways, items to skip, while noting finishes and giving clear written 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 protocolsSpot and fix loose joints with hot hide glue, strengthen weak bases, use right re-screwing and dowel steps that match original build and restore full strength.
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 controlMaster coating by planning layers, build-up, drying, sanding between, and shop dampness and heat control for proper curing, no faults, and right 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 thorough cleaning before refinishing by spotting greasy dirt, protein marks, embedded grime, picking solvents or cleaners, masking 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 rationaleChoose and apply era-right finishes like shellac, oil-varnish mixes, wiping oils, knowing their look, fixability, history to suit the piece’s time and client wishes.
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 sanding flow that suits veneers and shapes, right grit steps, feathering thin spots, avoiding excess that causes waves, burns, or lost sharp details.
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
