Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, color-matching techniquesUnderstand how fi fill chips, edge losses, an open grain using reversible fillers an compatible materials, then refine color an texture wid careful grain filling an color-matching so repairs blend invisibly wid surrounding 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 buffingExplore how fi refine cured finishes through rubbing out, control sheen from satin to gloss, an master burnishing, waxing, an buffing techniques dat enhance clarity, depth, an tactile feel without cutting through de 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 adjustmentsReinstall hardware an stabilize moving parts by aligning hinges, pulls, an locks, tuning drawer an door fit, an addressing racking or binding so de restored piece functions smoothly an safely in everyday 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 finish removal methods, including chemical strippers, heat guns, an solvent-assisted sanding, wid emphasis on dwell times, neutralization, an scraper control fi avoid veneer damage, raised grain, or substrate 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 avoidPrepare clients fi long-term success by explaining realistic wear expectations, humidity an light recommendations, safe cleaning routines, an products fi avoid, while documenting finishes an providing clear written care instructions.
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 how fi diagnose an repair loose or failed joints using hot hide glue, reinforce weakened substrates, an apply correct re-screwing an doweling protocols dat respect original construction while restoring full structural integrity.
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 controlGain control over coating application by planning coat counts, film build, an dry times, sanding between coats, an managing shop humidity an temperature so finishes cure properly, remain defect-free, an achieve de desired sheen.
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, thorough cleaning before refinishing by identifying greasy grime, protein stains, an embedded dirt, selecting appropriate solvents or detergents, an masking or protecting non-wood parts from moisture an chemical damage.
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 fi choose an apply period-appropriate finishes such as shellac, oil an varnish blends, or wiping oils, understanding dem appearance, repairability, an historical context fi match de piece’s era an client expectations.
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-sandingDevelop a disciplined sanding workflow dat respect veneers an profiles, using correct grit progression, feathering around thin areas, an avoiding over-sanding dat can cause waves, burn-through, or loss of crisp design 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
