Schmidt Philip - A complete guide to basic woodworking : skills & projects every woodworker needs

Finishing & Refinishing Wood

Techniques & Projects for Fine Wood Finishes

Creative Publishing international, Inc.
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
1-800-328-0590
www.creativepub.com

An old rocking chair, a well-used cedar chest, a hardwood floor that has lost its lusteranywhere you look around your home, you are likely to find a potential refinishing project. But even the most ardent do-it-yourselfers often draw the line at refinishing. They have a vision of refinishing that is filled with messy, harsh chemicals and endless sanding and scraping. In reality, refinishing and finishing wood is a manageable process that can yield professional-quality results with surprisingly little mess and fuss if you use the right tools and techniques.

Refinishing furniture is an adventure. It begins in attics, antique stores, or at garage sales; usually with the question, Wouldnt that look nice if...? And the more involved you become in a project, the more questions you encounter: How can I unlock the potential of that old sewing cabinet? What is the best way to sand the grooves on a rocking chair spindle? Should I use chemicals or a heat gun to remove the old finish on my antique clock?

Finishing & Refinishing Wood gives you all the information you need to bring new life and a lasting finish to furniture, floors, and woodwork. It takes you through every phase of the refinishing and finishing process: evaluating old furniture and finishes to develop a refinishing strategy; making minor repairs like filling gouges and regluing joints; removing an old finish with a heat gun or chemical stripper; finish sanding and filling wood grain; coloring and topcoating new and stripped wood; revamping hardware and other accessories; and more.

We also give you the most up-to-date information on new refinishing and finishing products that are safer to use and safer for the environment. Disposal, safety, and cleanup issues are examined in detail.

As a special bonus, Finishing & Refinishing Wood contains a section featuring 15 separate case studies that take the mystery out of refinishing. The section leads you step-by-step through the refinishing process, providing insight into the decisions that make any project a success. You will find clear examples addressing the same challenges you are facingand offering solutions for meeting those challenges.

From cleaning a dirty wax finish, to repairing, stripping, sanding, and refinishing an old piece of furniture, the skills you learn in Finishing & Refinishing Wood are do-it-yourself abilities that you will use again and again to add value and restore beauty to your worn-but-sturdy woodwork and furniture.

NOTICE TO READERS

This book provides useful instructions, but we cannot anticipate all of your working conditions or the characteristics of your materials and tools. For safety, you should use caution, care, and good judgment when following the procedures described in this book. Consider your own skill level and the instructions and safety precautions associated with the various tools and materials shown. Neither the publisher nor Black & Decker can assume responsibility for any damage to property or injury to persons as a result of misuse of the information provided.

Consult your local Building Department for information on building permits, codes, and other laws as they apply to your project.

Restore lost beauty. A new finish and a few new accessories give fresh life to a forgotten piece of furniture..

Refinishing wood is more than just another do-it-yourself skill. Practical skills like carpentry, plumbing, or wiring help you save money and make sure your home improvements are done the right way. But giving new life to an old rocking chair by transforming it from an eyesore to a centerpiece gives you a special sense of satisfaction.

Studies have shown that most people who have made a hobby of refinishing are not in it for any kind of financial advantage. They do it because it is fun. A successful refinishing project brings out the artist, historian, and the creative caretaker in even the most practical-minded do-it-yourselfer. Most people who successfully complete one refinishing project become hookedthey enjoy it enough to take on additional projects.

Beyond the feelings of fun and pride inspired by the process, there are many practical benefits to refinishing and finishing wood. A well-executed refinishing job can increase the value of a worn-out article. Buying fine furniture in the rough and refinishing it is an inexpensive way to decorate your home. And refinishing old furniture is an excellent form of recyclingnot only does it eliminate the disposal problem, it also preserves resources that would be used to create a replacement.

A new finish makes your favorite old furniture last longer by protecting it from moisture, heat, and spills. Increasing your understanding of wood finishes gives you all the background you need to properly maintain and care for wood.

Uncover buried treasure. A plain painted cabinet is unmasked to reveal fine furniture..

Unleash potential. A chair plagued by loose joints and layers of old paint is transformed into a classic American antique..

Put a fine finish on new wood.