Lesson 1Filling chips and side losses: undoable fillers, grain filling for open-grain types, colour-match waysGrasp how to fill chips, side losses, and open grain with undoable fillers and matching goods, then fine colour and feel with careful grain filling and colour-matching so fixes mix unseen with around 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, soft vs shine levels, shining, waxing and polishingLook into how to fine cured covers through rubbing out, control shine from soft to high, and master shining, waxing, and polishing ways that boost clearness, depth, and touch feel without cutting through the cover.
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 3Fittings putting back and steadying moving parts, last lining and drawer fit changesPut back fittings and steady moving parts by lining hinges, handles, and locks, tuning drawer and door fit, and fixing tilting or sticking so the fixed piece works smooth and safe in daily 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 taking off choices: chem removers (kinds, wait time), heat gun ways, solvent sanding — ways to dodge veneer harmCompare finish taking off ways, like chem removers, heat guns, and solvent-help sanding, stressing wait times, calming, and scraper check 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 hand over: long care, wet advice, cleaning goods to skipReady clients for long win by explaining real wear hopes, wet and light advice, safe cleaning ways, and goods to skip, while noting covers and giving clear written care steps.
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 6Fixing structure issues: re-gluing joints with hide glue, backing weak bases, re-screwing and dowel stepsLearn to spot and fix loose or failed joints with hot hide glue, back weak bases, and use right re-screwing and dowel steps that honour first build while bringing back full structure 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 7Cover putting on: coat numbers, dry times, sanding between coats, wet and heat checkGet hold over cover putting by planning coat counts, layer build, and dry times, sanding between coats, and handling shop wet and heat so covers cure right, stay fault-free, and hit 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 8Prep: cleaning ways for oily dirt, protein marks, and face dirt; covering and guarding non-wood partsMaster safe, full cleaning before refinishing by spotting oily dirt, protein marks, and stuck dirt, picking right solvents or soaps, and covering or guarding non-wood parts from wet and 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 9Putting on a time-right finish: picking between shellac, oil/varnish mix, or wipe oils with reasonLearn to pick and put on time-right finishes like shellac, oil and varnish mixes, or wipe oils, grasping their looks, fixability, and past setting to match the piece’s time and 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 10Face prep and sanding steps: rough step, feathering around veneer sides, dodging over-sandingBuild a strict sanding work flow that honours veneers and shapes, using right rough step, feathering around thin spots, and dodging over-sanding that can make waves, burn-through, or loss of 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
