Woodworking Books

Foolproof Wood Finishing
by Teri Masachi

This is the essential guide for everyone who loves to build but hates to finish. Expert finishing instructor Teri Masaschi takes the mystery out of finishing, and helps you to avoid costly and frustrating mistakes. She shows how to choose, use, and apply the perfect finish in Foolproof Wood Finishing, Revised Edition. You'll learn step-by-step as you work your way through 51 proven and easy-to-follow finishing exercises. Discover how to determine the best finish for your project, prepare wood, fix minor defects, avoid uneven results, and circumvent common wood-coloring pitfalls. Also included are 23 "recipes" for creating timeless looks such as deep antique cherry and nut brown mahogany. To keep things from getting too serious, you'll get a laugh from amusing anecdotes culled from the author's many years of finishing experience. If you've ever wanted the secrets to stress-free, successful finishing, this refreshing guide is a must-have for your bookshelf.

Refinishing Furniture Made Simple Book / DVD Set
by Jeff Jewitt

Old furniture, whether a treasured heirloom or consignment shop find, is often better made than anything that can be bought today. So, why let damaged finishes detract from a beautiful piece when you can repair or refinish it in a way that preserves the piece and makes it look as good as new? Author Jeff Jewitt, a professional refinisher with over 30 years’ experience, shares his tricks, shortcuts, and tools of the trade in Refinishing Furniture Made Simple, an easy-to-follow book/DVD set that is sure to fly off the shelves.

Weekend refinishers as well as professional woodworkers will benefit from the insider tips on how to evaluate the condition of a piece to decide the best strategy for rejuvenating it, repair and revive finishes to enhance their beauty while preserving their patina, and match an old finish for a seamless look.

French Polishing
by Derek Jones

Finishing and Restoring Using Traditional Techniques

French Polishing is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful ways to finish wood. This no-nonsense guide to the process of applying layers of shellac to create a rich, high-gloss surface includes all you need to know about French polishing, from choosing materials and setting up your workshop to preparing the surface and applying the finish. There is also a section on resolving common problems and a fully illustrated project showing, step-by-step, how to restore an existing finish.

More Finishes and Finishing Techniques
by Fine Woodworking

Broaden Your Finishing Repertoire

Varnish, shellac, lacquer, and paint all have their own strengths and their advocates. Of course, the trick is choosing the right finish and applying it correctly to a surface that has been properly prepared. That's what this collection of 30 articles from Fine Woodworking will help you do.

In addition to explaining how different finishes are applied, you'll learn how to remove finishes, how to mix and use stains and other wood colorants, and how to rub out a finish to perfection. In all, the articles will give you the confidence to broaden your finishing repertoire.

Water-Based Finishes
by Andy Charron

Up-to-Date and Safe Application Methods

Water-based finishes are safe and environmentally friendly. Now that recent improvements have made their performance comparable to standard solvent-based finishes, they are fast becoming the finish of choice. Water-Based Finishes is the first book dedicated to using water-based finishes successfully. Professional woodworker Andy Charron explains how to choose the right finish and discusses the best methods to apply the finish for perfect results every time. This handy book also includes:

• Up-to-date information about the new generation of water-based finishes
• How to choose the right finish for each application
• Advice about surface preparation
• Tips on application and topcoat finishing
• In-depth information on dyes and stains

The New Wood Finishing Book
by Michael Dresdner

Anyone who finishes wood will want to own the updated & completely revised version of the highly acclaimed Wood Finishing Book. With new, full color photos and design, expanded information, and updates on technological advances in finishing, it's a must have reference.The focus is on finishes that woodworkers and finishers use.

Wood Finishing Fixes
by Michael Dresdner

Product Name Finishing is one of the most popular and challenging woodworking topics. This accessible book by finishing pro Michael Dresdner uses a Q&A format to address the most commonly asked finishing questions in a logical way.

You'll find this book is long on solutions, not theory -- so it wont take hours to digest. You'll want to keep this essential guide on hand throughout the finishing process -- from sanding to final polish.

Discover answers to questions like these:

• What finish should I use for a front door?
• Do I need to sand between each coat when I'm finishing?
• Can I lighten a stain that looks too dark?
• How do I fix a dent that's too deep to sand out?
• What finish is best for items that come in contact with food?
• Can I use a foam brush to apply varnish and polyurethane?
• How can I avoid drips and runs when I spray finish?
• How do I get a uniform stain color on different color woods?

Success with Finishing
by Mark Cass

Good finishing can be the key to a successful woodworking job, and fortunately it’s a task that anyone can master. All that’s required is simple equipment and a solid understanding of the basics—which this fully-illustrated guide, with 200 color photos and easy-to-follow instructions, provides. Whether you’re considering a full grain French polish or a quick and easy wipe-on, you’ll find advice here on what’s suitable for any particular piece. A general review features a technical description of each main finish and information on the best methods of application, while coverage of preparation encompasses everything from safety considerations to stripping the wood. The step-by-step projects include almost every imaginable style.

Rust and Patina Style Book
by Suzanne McNeill
with contributions by Cheryl and Megan Darrow

Create breathtaking art that shines with the nostalgia of antiqued metal. Metal paints and patina solution allow you to achieve overnight what nature took decades to accomplish. This book shows you how to transform almost any object or material with the "industrial chic" look of distressed metal.

Use metal paint to transform almost anything with the amazing look of distressedmetal:

• Scrapbboks, journals, invitations and greeting cards
• Necklaces, bracelets, medallions, ornaments, and beads
• Silk scarves, tote bags, aprons, and shoes
• Home decor, alls, frames, clocks, and ceramics
• Dolls, gourds, bottles, statues, and found objects
• These are just a few suggestions and of 1000's

In This Book:

• Basic techniques Metallic Paints and Glazes
• Basic techniques Reactive Metal Paints
• Creative Texture
• 49 Projects with images

The Craft of Veneering
by Craig Thibodeau

A Complete Guide from Basic to Advanced

The Craft of Veneering starts with a simple panel made from a single piece of veneer and progresses through more complex veneer assemblies like bookmatching, bent laminations, and veneering curved panels, edging, and crossbanding. At each step, all the information needed to complete the included sample projects using each of the difference methods is provided.

• Introduces the novice or professional woodworker to a range of veneering techniques from simple to complex that can be used to produce stunning patterns that would be impossible to achieve with solid wood.
• Outlines all the tools and techniques you'll need to work with veneer (including vacuum bagging and using clamps and cauls).
• Includes chapters on the fascinating arts of marquetry and parquetry.
• An illustrated appendix presents enlarged photos of 37 species of wood veneer.

Veneer can be incorporated in a variety of ways into furniture construction and other woodworking projects and encompasses a whole range of technical complexity. Everything about using veneer—from how it's made, why to use it, how to use it, and how to combine various techniques to create exciting new work—is explained and lavishly illustrated.

Finishing Wood
by Editors of Fine Woodworking

Foolproof Finishes • Coloring Wood • Wipe-On Varnishes • Spray Finishes

A great finish can make even a simple project look terrific. A bad finish can ruin the most well-built, sophisticated piece of furniture. Finishing can be a daunting and mystifying task to many woodworkers and DIYers who fear wrecking their projects at this late stage in the process. This collection of articles from Fine Woodworking brings together the best information on a rich variety of finishing techniques.

Nowadays, finishing wood doesn't just embrace fine clear finishes like shellac and French polishing, but also bright pigmented lacquers, dyes and stains, milk paint, and "crackled" paint. Finishing Wood features a whole section on the hot new trend of coloring wood. Also included is timeless information on preparing a surface before you apply a finish (a critical first step) as well as tried-and-true methods for applying all the traditional finishes, whether by brush or by spraying.

Spray Finishing and Other Techniques
by Editors of Fine Woodworking

A professional looking finish is the dream of most woodworkers. One way to achieve it is through modern spray finishing. Recent improvements in the equipment and widespread adoption have lowered costs making this technique widely available. But there is little information apart from magazine articles and our 1996 book. This book collects the best recent articles from "Fine Woodworking" on spray finishing and other modern finishing techniques.

Table of Contents:

1. Choosing a Finish
2. Surface Preparation
3. Spray Equipment
4. Spray Finishing Techniques
5. Aerosol Finishes
6. Special Techniques

Finishes & Finishing Techniques:
Professional Secrets for Simple & Beautiful Finish
by Editors of Fine Woodworking

Finishing often seems to require more alchemy than skill. This book takes the magic and guesswork out of finishing by collecting the best recent material on finishing written by experts ranging from finishing chemists to America's best amateur woodworkers. These are practical solutions and accessible finishes, enabling anyone to get a great looking finish every time. Chapters include surface preparation, hand finishing tools and techniques, coloring wood, and special techniques. This is a must-have reference for weekend refinishers and woodworkers alike.

Fine Woodworking Best Finishing Techniques
by Editors of Fine Woodworking

Overcome every woodworker’s greatest challenge. Countless hours of effort are at stake whenever you start applying that all-important final finish to your project. To help you achieve flawless results – and breathe easier – our editors compiled Fine Woodworking Best Finishing Techniques, a collection of 36 invaluable articles from America’s premier woodworking magazine.

With the right advice you can enjoy perfect results. With the help of 500 step-by-step photos, our experts show you how to attack the finishing process with confidence. Learn how to properly prep all surfaces, choose dyes or stains to complement the wood, master the tricky art of applying them, and even troubleshoot potential problems. Fine Woodworking Best Finishing Techniques will arm you with the hard-won experience gained over decades by top craftsmen. Now every project you build will be made even more beautiful by the final finish you apply.

False Graining Techniques
by Jim King, Beth Oberholtzer

Graining with paint offers an expressive way to transform any plain surface with textured and stylized veneers. This practical introduction to a unique folk art includes 6 easy projects with vivid step-by-step color photos. The authors provide all of the information you need to get started, with handy tips on tools, materials, and techniques. Try your hand-literally-at making rich wood grain designs with such tools as corncobs, rubber combs, foam brushes, and even your own fingers! False Graining Techniques introduces you to the unique craft of grain painting, the decorative technique of imitating wood grain on furniture, accessories, and other objects. With this book, you can try your hand-literally-at making beautiful designs with such tools as corncobs, rubber combs, foam brushes, and even your own fingers. The authors provide all of the information you need to get started, with handy tips on tools, materials, and techniques. Six easy projects show how to transform plain surfaces into textured and stylized veneers. Step-by-step photos cover all the details necessary to achieve artistic painting effects. A colorful gallery of finished pieces will inspire you with expressive modern variations of this innovative technique.