favorite book on finishing

Re: favorite book on finishing

John K Jordan

I like Flexner's book, Understanding Wood Finishing: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1565235487

JKJ

Re: favorite book on finishing

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

I like Flexner's writing. I don't have his book but I read his articles and we correspond. He is practical, experienced and most of the time his chemistry is acceptably accurate. However, I have not ever gotten any useful finishing material application information from a book or article. Much better to find someone successfully doing what you want to do and ask for a demonstration.

What is it about finishing you want to know about?

Re: favorite book on finishing

Don Stephan

The three books by Jeff Jewitt, starting with one on hand applied finishes. I learned a lot when I first bought them, but they still are useful reference books.

Re: favorite book on finishing

John McGaw

Probably Jeff Jewitt's Great Wood Finishes although my experience might not be of much use since my tastes in wood finishes are so simple that they might be expressed in a few well-written paragraphs.

Re: favorite book on finishing

John in NM

The only one I have is Stephen Shepherd's book on 19th century finishes, more out of interest than need for information (I'll probably never use the finishes as they were used traditionally).

Bill made a good suggestion - find someone doing a finish you like and learn from them. I was lucky enough to work for a shop that did a finish I like a lot, so that's what I've kept practicing (its a very easy one too, a base oil like Watco or linseed followed by many light coats of Waterlox).

I also worked for a shop that used nothing but Varithan Diamond Finish (water soluble urethane) back when it was the hot new thing. I learned quickly that I didn't like the stuff and I only use that kind of finish in very specific circumstances.

what are you looking for?

Bill Tindall, E.Tn.

Are you looking for properties of finishes or how to apply some finish(s).

Re: favorite book on finishing

Jim in Burlington Ont.

Same here John,

Jeff used to come on BP back in day, was a great support to my early learning on finishes

Take care, Jim

Re: what are you looking for?

Michael van pelt

Thanks guys! Great suggestions! I am putting a finishing class together. I once took a class from a “top known” finisher. More like a chemistry class. I was more confused after the class than I was before. I will never forget after his lecture and demonstartion he asked if anyone had a question. One student asked a question, that I thought was legitimate, and the instructor answered in a tone like “You must be stupid....were you not paying attention to my lecture?” He then asked if there was anymore questions and everyone was afraid to raise their hands!

I am putting together a hands on practical class with straight forward information. I have a number of finishing books in my library and was wondering what the “GO TO” book was. Thanks for the information.