At head of title: American woodworker

Finishing techniques. Pro's guide to 30 finishing supplies ; Brush care 101 : how to choose, condition and clean ; Sanding : finishing's essential first step ; Sanding for stained finish : 10 tips ; Brushing shellac : apply shellac like a pro ; Not-so-French polishing : new twist on old method ; Brush-on finish the easy way : thinning poly is the secret ; Super-smooth poly finish : defect-free finish even with a brush ; Put down your brush : not always best tool ; Brush a tabletop -- great results without rubbing out ; Wipe-on/rub-off finishing : guarantees flawless results ; Finish an exterior door : long-lasting clear finish ; 12 finishing tips -- Best finish for every wood. Guide to finishing 11 common woods : understanding the wood improves results ; Match any finish : step boards show the way to perfect mission oak ; Coloring figured wood : 2 dyes and a glaze ; Make poplar look pretty : give this wood a makeover ; Aged cherry finish : wipe on the years ; Chemical ebonizing : turn any wood deep black ; Glazing techniques from a pro : gel stains add rich depth ; Tips for using shellac : beautiful, versatile finish -- Finish repair and restoration. Repair a water-damaged finish : work miracles with oxalic acid ; Touch up : repairing a damaged finish without refinishing ; Tips for repairing finishes : rescues with ordinary materials ; Successful stripping : safely and effectively

"Amateur woodworkers can achieve professional-quality finishes on their projects with simple materials that are brushed or wiped onto the wood. There's no need to shell out for expensive professional spray equipment nor to invest the hours required to use it. The secrets in this book include focusing on brushable polyurethane varnish, brushable shellac, and wipe-on glaze coats. Readers will learn how to use and clean a fine finishing brush, when to brush and when to wipe the finish on, and how to get a flawless finish without the tedious labor of rubbing out. Includes detailed instructions for matching colors with simple stains, how to make nondescript woods such as poplar look great, and how to apply a glaze coat for professional highlights on carvings, moldings and other details. Includes a special section on reviving damaged finishes, erasing water-damage, and when all else fails, how to strip off the old finish and start over. "--

Includes index