MODERN WOOD FINISHING
For those who wish to learn how to polish their furniture using modern finishing techniques
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Course Overview
• Why choose this course?
This 2 day practical finishing course, delivered by a professional polisher with over 35 years experience in the trade, is designed for those who are new to finishing or lacking confidence, and wish to gain hands on experience in this specialist field of furniture making. The course has been designed to compliment the skills of furniture makers and DIY’ers who require the skills to finish their own wooden objects.
The course has an emphasis on the sound understanding and use of brushing and rag applied finishes and techniques to give professional results, including the selection and use of finishing materials. You’ll be able to apply the products on sample boards provided by us, and understand the differences between a range of modern finishing products.
The course is aimed at Beginners and Intermediate students; time is allocated for discussion on brushing polishes and waxes. All equipment and materials and sample boards are provided.
In addition, students will need to bring along one or two small items of furniture to finish such as a side table, chair or box etc; you will be able to work on one item whilst the other finishes drying.
Two-day courses are divided into four disciplines:
o Material identification, preparation and use
o Timber preparation and sanding
o Applying finishes
o De-nibbing and waxing
• What will I achieve?
This course will give you a thorough grounding in the safe and practical use of modern clear finishing products and polishing techniques, plus you will be able to work on your own finishing project under expert guidance.
• This course is suitable for …
o Beginners
o Intermediate
o Advanced
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Course Content
• Induction and Welcome to Peter Sefton Furniture School
• Basic Safety Considerations
o Personal safety
o Safe use of finishing products
• Materials Used in Modern Finishing
o Oil-based
o Acrylics
o Rustin’s Plastic Coating
o Waxing
• Tools
o Abrasive papers
o Wire wools and Mirlon pads
o Mops, brushes and pads
• Techniques
o Raising the grain
o Selecting the correct finish for the project; application and timber
o Brush and rag application
o De-nibbing and waxing
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• Tools Required
If you do not have any or many tools, the School can provide them for you to use. However, if you can bring along your own tools, the suggested tool list includes:
o Pencil and note pad
o Clean jam jars with lids
o Paint scraper and cork sanding blocks
o Any old newspapers and cotton rags will be useful
Please do not get dressed up for the occasion as wood finishing can be a messy job!
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• Health and Safety Equipment Required
Students need to bring their own PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as follows:
o Box of Nitrile Disposable Gloves
o Marigold Gloves
o Safety Glasses
o Carpenters Apron
These and other items can be purchased from either www.restexpress.co.uk or www.agwoodcare.co.uk. If you do not have the above PPE when you arrive on the course, you can purchase them from the School.
o Items to be Polished – Please bring along two small items such as a side table, chair or box etc; if you are unsure about what to bring, please call Peter on 01684 591014 to discuss their suitability.
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• Where to Stay
Please see the Find Us page of our website and then click on Where to Stay
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• Booking Info
How do I apply for any of your Courses? First, please contact the School to confirm there is space on the course either by phone on 01684 591014 or email sarah@peterseftonfurnitureschool.com. Then complete the Course Booking Form and forward it with your 50% deposit to the School.
The balance will be due 6 weeks prior to the start of the course and if booking less than 6 weeks in advance, the total course fee will be due. Peter Sefton Furniture School regrets that we are unable to accept applications from anyone under the age of 18 at the start of their course.
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Duration and Facilities: The course runs over 2 consecutive Saturdays, 09:00 to 17:00 with 1 hour for lunch. Students will need to provide their own lunch each day; tea and coffee are provided by the School.







