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 adjust colour and feel with careful grain fill and matching so fixes blend unseen with wood around.
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 refining set finishes by rubbing, control shine from dull to bright, and master burnish, wax, and buff ways that boost clearness, depth, and touch without breaking the finish layer.
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 bits by lining hinges, pulls, and locks, tuning drawer and door fits, and fixing tilt or stick so the fixed piece works smooth and safe in daily Namibian 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 ways to remove finish, like chemical strippers, heat guns, and solvent sand, stressing wait times, neutralising, and scraper control 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 long success by explaining real wear hopes, wet and light tips, safe clean routines, and stuff to skip, while noting finishes and giving clear written care guides for local homes.
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 steps that honour original build while bringing back 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 controlGain hold over coat use by planning layer counts, build, and dry times, sand between, and manage shop wet and heat so finishes set right, stay fault-free, and get the 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 grime, picking right solvents or soaps, and covering or guarding 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 use era-right finishes like shellac, oil-varnish mixes, or wipe oils, knowing their look, fix ease, and history fit to match the piece’s time and client wants locally.
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 respects veneers and shapes, using right grit steps, feathering thin spots, and dodging too much sand that makes waves, burns, or loses 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
