This one is near and dear to my heart. I love wood. The real thing. This book really filled a void in my library and I hope you find it as helpful.
"The Complete Guide to Wood Finishes: How to apply and restore laquers, polishes, stains and varnishes" is written by Mick Allen and publishes by Fireside Books, a division of Simon and Schuster.
If you work with wood, have thought about working with wood or wish you could refinish that old table, this book is for you. I have to admit, I was surprised. Usually a book like this will provide one aspect of restoration or finish. Sometimes they even cover a handful of different concepts. Mick Allen went all the way. There is everything I could want. He has divided the book into four areas; preparation, basic finishes, decorative finishes and spray finishes.
It doesn't sound like much until you realize the preparation section alone covers everything from tools and equipment to removing stain to bleaching wood to woodworm to filling grain. This is not even half of what is covered in the first section alone.
Decorative finishes have become very popular in recent years. This book provides directions for:
- Graining
- Ebonizing
- Stenciling
- Craquelure
- Crackle-glaze
- Distressed finishes
- Gilding
- Liming
- Pickling
- Stippling
- Marble effect
- and Rag rolling
Any wood worker you know would love to own this book. I give this one two thumbs up. I'd give it more but I only have two thumbs. Thank you Mick Allen for writing the resource guide all wood workers need.
