Lesson 1Filling chips and edge losses: reversible fillers, grain filling for open-grain species, colour-matching techniquesUnderstand filling chips, edge gaps, and open grain with reversible fillers and matching materials, then adjust colour and texture via precise grain filling and matching so repairs merge unseen with nearby 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 refining set finishes by rubbing out, managing sheen from satin to gloss, and excelling in burnishing, waxing, and buffing to boost clarity, depth, and touch without penetrating 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 stabilising moving parts, final alignment and drawer fit adjustmentsRefit hardware and secure moving components by aligning hinges, handles, and locks, adjusting drawer and door fits, and fixing distortion or sticking for smooth, safe daily operation of the restored item.
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 approaches like chemical strippers, heat guns, and solvent sanding, stressing dwell periods, neutralisation, and scraper handling to prevent 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 avoidEquip clients for ongoing care by outlining realistic wear, humidity and light advice, safe cleaning habits, and items to steer clear of, while noting finishes and supplying straightforward written 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 to spot and fix loose or broken joints using hot hide glue, strengthen weak bases, and use proper re-screwing and doweling that honours original build while restoring complete structural 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 scheduling layers, build-up, and drying, sanding inter-coats, and controlling workshop humidity and temperature for proper curing, flawless finishes, and target 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 partsExcel in safe, complete cleaning pre-refinishing by spotting greasy dirt, protein marks, and ingrained soil, choosing fitting solvents or cleaners, and shielding or masking non-wood areas from water 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 apply era-suitable finishes like shellac, oil-varnish mixes, or wiping oils, knowing their look, fixability, and historical fit to align with the item's period 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-sandingCreate a strict sanding routine that values veneers and shapes, with proper grit steps, feathering thin spots, and preventing over-sanding that leads to 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
