Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, color-matching techniquesUnderstand how to fill chips, edge losses, and open grain with reversible fillers and matching materials, then adjust colour and texture with careful grain filling and matching so fixes blend with the 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 refine cured finishes by rubbing, control shine from satin to gloss, and master burnishing, waxing, and buffing to improve clarity, depth, and feel without going through the 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 adjustmentsRefit hardware and stabilise moving parts by aligning hinges, pulls, and locks, adjusting drawer and door fit, and fixing twisting or sticking so the piece works smoothly and safely 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 remove finish, like chemical strippers, heat guns, and solvent sanding, focusing on times, neutralising, and scraper control to avoid 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 avoidPrepare clients for long success by explaining real wear, humidity and light advice, safe cleaning, and products to skip, while recording finishes and giving clear written care 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 protocolsLearn how to find and fix loose or failed joints using hot hide glue, strengthen weak bases, and use right re-screwing and doweling that respects original build while restoring 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 controlGet control over coating by planning coat numbers, build, and dry times, sanding between, and managing shop humidity and temperature so finishes cure well, stay defect-free, and get the 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 cleaning before refinishing by spotting greasy dirt, protein stains, and stuck dirt, picking right solvents or soaps, and covering or protecting non-wood parts from water and chemicals.
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 choose and apply era-matching finishes like shellac, oil and varnish mixes, or wiping oils, knowing their look, fixability, and history to match the piece’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 sanding workflow that respects veneers and shapes, using right grit steps, feathering thin areas, and avoiding too much sanding that causes waves, burns, or loss of 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
