Summer Workshops for 2010

This July we are proud to offer 2 great workshops; on July 20-22, Author & Senior Furniture Conservator, Donald C. Williams, will be here talking about & demonstrating Restoration of Veneers and Their Finishes. This intensely hands-on workshop will focus on the nature and technology of veneer-work and restoring damaged veneered surfaces, including a range of applications from the laying of new veneers to re-integrating aged and damaged veneers, and replicating veneer and marquetry surfaces. Special emphasis will be on the selection and making of veneers, and in finishing them in a manner most compatible with the existing surrounding surfaces. This course also integrates adhesive technology as a critical component in the problem solving process.

Then, on July 26-30, National Institute Of Wood Finishing instructor, Mitch Kohanek, will be teaching a 5-day course on Finishing New Wood. This comprehensive wood finishing class will educate you to know how and why you finish wood. Students will keep all of the panels they create. Sessions include: The proper preparation of wood, methods of using dyes, stain, glazes and toners to color wood. Understanding why and how to apply oils, shellac, lacquer, varnish, urethane and water base coatings using rags, brushes and spraying equipment. How to create the desired sheen and maintain that sheen will also be covered. Problem solving and repairing finishing defects such as blotching, orange peel and fish eye will be explained.


If you'd like more information on these workshops, please visit: http://www.woodfinishing.org/workshops.htm
Seats are still available for both courses.

Rights of Passage - Another year ended...

Today was the last day of classes, the graduation ceremony is next Monday (5/17/2010). Just like the classes that have passed through these doors since 1988, the graduating class of 2010 got up on a ladder for the "signing of the tube".

The Dust collection tube that runs through the workshop has been part of a tradition at DCTC, where the students leave their mark on the school, just as the school has left it's mark on them. Each year the students paint, decorate, veneer, faux finish, or install something from their class. This year, the class of 2010 had a group photo taken, enlarged and framed in a frame that they gilded and painted the NIWF logo and 2010 in reverse on the glass.

Good luck to all the grads of 2010. They have worked very hard, and we hope that as they go out into the world, they will always keep in touch and visit the school when they can, to help pass along their knowledge to the current students in the upcoming years.

Wood 1021 Wood Refinishing: More Before & After Pictures

We are wrapping up really fast, and a lot of great furniture is being turned out by the students. I just wanted to share some more of the work.

This bamboo chair came it in rough shape, as you can see! But some great work and a little shellac, and we've got a beautiful little side chair.

Here is a picture of a Mission Library Table that had an ink spill on the top. With a little artistry and skill, the ink stain has been removed from sight. a little shellac and some spot repair, and this table is set for another 100 years.