Getting a good finish on a piece of furniture can seem daunting, thanks to a wealth of products and conflicting advice. While many have mastered the machines and methods of woodworking, they often approach the finish fearing they will either ruin their projects, or end up settling for something short of what they envision.

However, finishing is just like woodworking in that it merely requires a bit of learning to familiarize yourself with the tools and techniques of the craft. You had to learn about woodworking tools and methods; now its time to learn about the finishing side.  

In this weekend class combines demonstrations with hands on experience, author and noted finishing expert Michael Dresdner will teach you the techniques and guide you through the maze of options to create great looking finishes.

Come prepared with questions and feel free to bring samples of wood or pieces you want to experiment with, along with an apron or old clothes; after all, finishing can be messy work. You’ll leave with some samples, a lot of information, and a new found confidence that will let you approach finishing with pleasure instead of fear.

See this blog entry to get a sense of what it is like in class with Michael.

Staining and Coloring Workshop

Coloring wood, whether for artistic expression or to match existing finishes, is one of the more troublesome aspects of finishing. Too often we end up with the wrong color, the wrong look, or an uneven blotchy mess.

In this class, Michael Dresdner will teach you what the various coloring materials are, when to use each one, and how to make them act the way you want. You’ll learn how to stain all sorts of woods without blotching or other problems, what to buy, and even how to modify and mix custom color stains to create exactly the look and colors you seek.

We’ll cover various types of dyes, pigments, chemical stains and the wide range of commercially available stains. You’ll learn to master techniques like glazing, dry brushing, layering and toning, and the tools that go with these techniques. Along the way we will look in on some of the newest materials, like foam stains and gel stains, and some of the oldest as well. There will also be a segment about color theory that will teach you how to match the colors you want no matter what materials you choose.

Class size:   20  
Cost:            $175