Working With Wood Books

These lessons in Creating the Perfect Wood Finish stand out from the rest for a couple of reasons, the least of which is the author’s tongue-in-cheek style of delivery. If you’ve never laughed your way through the world of wood finishing, that’s reason enough to pick up this book – but it’s not the only reason. In fact, this book takes a delightfully different approach to wood finishing.

Packed with full color photos, the book starts with a look at cleaning and restoring old finishes before moving into sanding and cleaning, adding color, and adding finish to your finish. Two projects - restoring an antique desk and creating a weathered bench - will test your newfound skills. There’s also a section for questions and answers, a suppliers list, and a full index. 

The author’s homespun tips include ideas for removing layers of old finish with hamster bedding, reviving a damaged finish in a single afternoon, using old 78 record to create a wood-darkening formula, and a therapeutic technique for ageing new wood. With such creative use of household items, this might be the most practical guide on wood finishing you’ll ever read.