Traditional Finishing
Weekend Class, Open to All
Summer 2023
August 12-13
Fall 2023
November 18-19
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. This course demystifies finishes and sets you on the road to competently make your own!
This two-day course covers a variety of traditional finishes. Working with the 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 looking at the virtues and limitations of different finishes and an introduction to the chemistry of finishes. We 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.
Tools
No tools required. However, please wear old clothes for the inevitable spills and splashes.
Prerequisites
Open to all.
Class Information and Registration
Class runs 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday through Sunday in Building 315 (August) and Building 304 (November) at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.
Class size: 10
Cost: $350
Materials Charge: $35