Includes use of equipment, materials, protective clothing, refreshments and lunch.
Course Day
The course starts at 9.00 am and finishes at approximately 4.30 pm each day. Lunch and refreshment breaks take place in line with the course schedule.
Course Content
This two day course, is geared towards the beginner or those wanting to add to their knowledge. You will identify various woods and discuss different types of stains and their limitations. Finishes appropriate to the types of wood and the period of the pieces, how to restore finishes where required with a discussion on alternative finishes, their application and use. Ted will explain the reasons for doing tasks in specific ways and will entertain you with anecdotes from his vast experience as a polisher.
You are taught the correct procedure for stripping, neutralising, staining and polishing.
Those students who have brought in pieces to be wax finished will be encouraged to try a sample board of french polishing. The course will finish by demonstrations of repairs and finishes that may not have been covered by work brought in.
Students are invited to bring along one or two small pieces of work e.g.
- Chair frame repairs - crest rails/joints
- Table top or small boxes - splits or dents
- Table top with ring marks or water damage
- Lifting veneers/missing veneers
- Drawer fronts - missing cockbeading/worn drawer tops
You will start by assessing the work to be done, starting with work that needs gluing and clamping then progressing with veneer repairs in order for the necessary waiting time for the glue to 'set'. Then progress onto splits, dents and cockbeading repairs.
The course is very practical in its basis, as Ted believes in learning by experience, so be sure to bring along old clothes to work in. An apron and rubber gloves will be supplied for you. Please don’t forget that the aim of the course is enjoyment in learning a fascinating skill. Other skills, such as liming, distressing, the use of modern lacquers etc., can be discussed and experimented with.
