In this weekend course, you will learn the basics of skillfully applying traditional finishes and how to bring out the beauty of the grain to enhance and protect a piece of furniture. Finishing can also be a great way to add some flair and additional personal touches to your work. This course aims to demystify finishes and sets you on the road to competently making your own! This two-day course covers a variety of traditional finishes. Working with an understanding of basic ingredients, you’ll learn how to navigate the overwhelming array of choices you’ll find in the local hardware store. We start by exploring the strengths and limitations of different finishes and introducing the chemistry behind them. We will work with a bunch of different woods so that you can see how different finishes work with the different types of grain. We’ll discuss and practice these techniques: Surface preparation, including the preparation and use of a card scraper Oil-based finishes: tung, linseed, and varnish Preparing and using shellac Repairing finishes Paints, stains, and dyes Combining finishes to ebonizing and layered, textured painted finishes. Required Tools: Personal protective equipment Pencil Paper or notepad Close-toed shoes Please wear old clothes for the inevitable spills and splashes. Prerequisites Bring enthusiasm and an open mind. This class is designed for complete novices up through experienced woodworkers who would like to tune up their skills.