Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, color-matching techniquesKnow fill chips, edge lost, open grain with undo fillers, fit materials, then fine color, feel with care grain fill, 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 how fine cured finishes by rub, control shine from soft to bright, master burnish, wax, buff ways add clear, deep, touch feel without cut through.
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 hardware, steady moving parts by line hinges, pulls, locks, tune drawer door fit, fix twist bind so fixed piece works smooth 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 take off ways, chem strippers, heat guns, solvent sand, stress wait times, neutral, scraper hold avoid veneer harm, raised grain, 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 avoidReady clients for long good by tell real wear hopes, wet air light tips, safe clean ways, things avoid, write finishes, give clear care words.
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 find, fix loose failed joins with hot hide glue, strong weak bases, right re-screw dowel ways honor original build, bring full strong back.
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 coat put by plan coat count, build, dry times, sand between, manage shop wet air temp so finishes set good, no faults, 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 safe full clean before refinish by find greasy dirt, protein marks, stuck dirt, pick right solvents detergents, cover guard non-wood from wet chem 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 pick, put time-right finishes like shellac, oil varnish mix, wipe oils, know look, fix easy, history fit to match piece time, 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 strict sand flow honor veneers profiles, right rough step, feather thin spots, avoid too sand cause waves, burn, lose sharp design parts.
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
