Greg Johnson came in for a five day workshop that focused on excellent looking nitrocellulose lacquer, two part coatings and special effect coatings. Each student got to keep their projects and the formulas to take with them. They covered how and why each step of the process is used to make stunning colors and coatings. Starting with raw wood samples, we proceeded with step by step processes, kept a written record of each step. Finishing techniques used include waterbase dyes, stain on dye, bleaching, clear and opaque coatings. Special effects such as crackle lacquer, satin rub outs and high gloss polishing were also covered.
Greg Johnson has been in the furniture making trade for almost 40 years and has earned the reputation as one of the most innovative wood finishers in America. He began working at his father’s cabinet making and restoration shop in Maryland in the early 1970’s. After completing a two year furniture program in ’81 at the Worcester Center for Crafts, he worked with his brother Tom in Boston. It was during this time Greg found his niche in wood finishing. In 1989, he became the principal finisher for designer Wendell Castle in Scottsville, NY. In 1999 Greg took a management position running the finishing department at a new production company called The Wendell Castle Collection. In April of 2005, Greg went into his own business full time, Johnson Furniture Restoration where he offers of full range of services including restoration, conservation, and custom finishing. You can find out more about Greg, and see his work at his WEBSITE
