2 day wood finishing course in Cheshire with David Tragen

Description

Being a competent furniture maker is very much about attention to detail in the construction process, however many woodworkers let themselves down with their finish. This two day course addresses how to get a high quality finish even without spraying facilities or using some of the very hard wearing yet toxic products on the market.   You will make six Ash wood sample pieces and apply different finishes to each one. They will demonstrate four different sheen levels (ultra matt, matt, satin and gloss) and will incorporate both interior and exterior finishes as well as water based, oil and wax finishes. You will prepare a grain filled sample, thus creating a “flat finish”, choosing a colour to either blend with the Ash or contrast thereby creating a decorative feature. You will also create a stained sample, choosing from a selection of colours. The course will mix practical with theory; choosing the finish should be based not only on aesthetic factors but also the level of protection required. Surface preparation is a key component in achieving good results both before the first coat, or in between coats. This includes dealing with minor repairs to the surface before applying the finish, looking at the use of wax sticks, graining pens and also pigmented fillers. It also covers selecting the correct sanding and buffing products based not only on the finish you are looking to achieve but also the wood species you are working with. The assumption is that you already have some experience in using both wood planes and a cabinet scraper, and is therefore not suitable for a complete beginner. Whilst the more complex topic of French polishing will not be covered in the course, we will be using a spirit based sanding sealer (closely related to French polish) as part of surface preparation for different scenarios. We will also look at chemical stains and in particular the process of ebonising oak (creating a rich dark black colour), using the inherent properties of the wood itself to create a colour rather than relying purely on a wood dye. We will also touch on areas that can’t be practiced in full due to either time constraints of slow drying products or the limitations of working with non-toxic products. These include an explanation of how to achieve a mirror finish, which includes understanding what is happening to the surface at a microscopic level.

What's included in the price?

All materials are included and you will have your own dedicated woodwork bench and tools. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided but please bring a packed lunch.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Cheshire Furniture Courses

with Craft Courses since 2018

Message the tutor

I am a trained cabinet maker / furniture designer maker and have over 25 years’ experience working with wood. I have worked on projects for businesses and high worth individuals including those from the worlds of Hollywood and Premier League football. I also have TEFL training under by belt from the 90s and therefore come from a background of teaching. I taught woodwork part time for Start in Salford for 4 years and then took up training in my own workshop in 2014. Designing and making furniture, lighting, wall art and sculpture has been a passion of mine for many years and my hope is that all students leave the workshop with some of the enthusiasm I have for the fields of Art, Craft and Design.