FINISH BASICS  - 2-day class is divided into two days:

Day One: Covers surface preparation using scrapers and abrasives. Staining will cover the use of both dye and pigment stains and dealing with staining problems such as splotching. Glazing, toning and grain filling follow next, using both hand and spray techniques.

Day Two: How to choose the correct finish and differentiating between the various products. Sealers and how and when they're used. Demonstrations on using brushes, rags and spray equipment follow. Finally the course will wrap up with rubbing out finishes and dealing with defects.

HANDS-ON FINISHING AT HIGHLAND HARDWARE
2-Day Class

In this two day seminar you will learn the various techniques necessary for applying different types of finishes, oil based, water based, shellac and lacquer. Surface preparation, staining and glazing will be covered. Emphasis will be on using shellac (French polish, padding) and varnish. Discover which brush is best used with a particular finish and why. Plus, students will gain a better understanding of the materials used to color wood (dyes and pigments) and solving problems (like splotching) with basic color theory. This 2 day class at Highland Hardware always sell out fast so sign up today to assure your spot.

HANDS-ON FINISHING WITH JEFF JEWITT
5-Day Class

This is a five-day hands-on finishing workshop that will help you achieve that beautiful finish that you’ve been looking for. You all have to finish your project at some point and this seminar will teach you how.

In this one-week seminar you will learn the various techniques necessary for applying different types of finishes: oil based, water based, shellac and lacquer. Surface preparation, staining and glazing will be covered. Particular attention will be paid to understanding materials and gaining experience in brushing and padding on finishes.

Discover which tools to use for applying finishes and why. Students will learn how to French Polish, apply finishes with brushes and rags and will gain a better understanding of the materials used to color wood (dyes and pigments). Spraying finishes will be covered and  solving problems (like splotching) and how to match finishes with basic color theory.

Jeff will wind the week up by demonstrating rubbing out finishes and basic furniture repair and maintenance. After this class novices as well as skilled woodworkers will walk away with valuable information, tips and ideas which will help them produce beautiful finishes every time. Jeff’s classes always sell out fast so sign up today to assure your spot.

MASTERING FINISHING, THE NEXT LEVEL WITH JEFF JEWITT
5-Day Class
 

This course will take the student beyond the basics learned in the 5 day Hands-on Finishing class,  yet will be open to those familiar with finishing basics. During the week students will explore the processes of coloring and finishing wood to produce stunning finishes or match an existing finish. Jeff will demonstrate antiquing, both physical and surface, glazing to produce texture, toning, shading and rubbing out a finish to achieve that perfect sheen. Spraying finishes will be covered in detail and students will be exposed to some of the new and exciting equipment available. Other areas that Jeff will demonstrate and students will practice include faux graining, basic gilding, ageing, mechanical surface distressing, textural distressing (i.e. cow tailing, specking, shading), advanced glazing, sun-bursting and shading, spray gun maintenance and setup and using spray pressure pots and pumps. There will be a special session on furniture maintenance. This class would be perfect for anyone wishing to take their finishing skills to next level. Students should have a good basic understanding of stains and finishes.

FRENCH POLISHING WITH JEFF JEWITT
1 Day Class

French Polishing is regarded as one of the finest finish techniques ever devised. Steeped in arcane and secretive techniques, it's actually easy to do. Utilizing simple hand skills with commonly available tools and applying non-toxic finishing products, students can pick up the basics in a single day.
In this course, master finisher Jeff Jewitt will demonstrate the basics of this technique. Students will practice French Polishing techniques on a sample board under Jeff's supervision. Students will also be allowed to bring a project that can be polished with Jeff to show you how. After this class, you will be able to produce this venerable finish easily in your workshop. You will also be shown the basics of brushing shellac for dealing with problem areas as well as "hybrid" shellac application techniques for restoring and reviving old shellac finishes.

INTRODUCTION TO SPRAY FINISHING WITH JEFF JEWITT
1 Day Class

With the advent of efficient systems and safer products to use, spray finishing is well within the capabilities of almost anyone. In this one-day seminar, Jeff will introduce you to the basics of picking the right system for spraying finishes as well as how to use them.
He will start with the basics, explaining how the different systems work, paying particular attention to newer HVLP technology. How to set up the right (and safe!!!) work environment will be stressed. Finally, you will be shown how to set up your system to spray finishes and stains safely and efficiently. Particular attention will be paid to water-borne products. You will be shown how to identify and troubleshoot common spraying problems and how to clean and maintain your spraying equipment.
This course is a must for anyone interested in taking the spray-finishing plunge.