French Polishing & Modern Hand Finishes

This course is appropriate for both the complete beginner, and the more experienced restorer or furniture maker, who is perhaps lacking in confidence, or would like to look at a new approach to an old subject. Whilst this course is described as “Traditional” hand finishing, it is in fact hand finishing using mainly traditional materials, but with an up-to-date slant. The methods that John teaches for ‘French Polishing’ use simplified techniques which have evolved in our workshops over the years and make the process very approachable and less confusing.

All aspects of finishing wood will be covered, from the initial preparation, to final waxing. Test panels will be provided so that all of the techniques can initially be practised in safety! These panels may also be taken away and used for later reference.

Students are also encouraged to bring along one or two smaller items of their own work that they have made or are restoring, or timbers / veneers that they are intending to use, and advice may then be given on designing appropriate finishing systems for them.

The aim of this course is that students will emerge with a thorough understanding of the principles of finishing, and a good grasp of various hand finishing techniques together with the confidence to use them.