The finishing process can be intimidating. With so many hours invested in a project, it feels as though one false move while finishing can undo all your hard work.
That’s why we created this class. Your instructor, George Vondriska, will demystify finishes that are common in the marketplace, help you understand which finish is best for your projects, and provide great preparation and application tips that will help you achieve a better finish.
THE FINISHING PRODUCTS
In this class, we intentionally use finishing products that are readily available at home centers. No exotic finishes or obscure techniques – you’ll find that the approach taken in this class is very mainstream. That makes our instruction accessible, and makes it easier for you to realize success with your finishing processes.
With the wide array of products and application tips shown in this class, you’re sure to find a few that work with your projects, your shop, and your approach to woodworking.
TECHNIQUES
This class concentrates on techniques that will be easy for you to use. Cotton rags, cheese cloth, home center off-the-shelf brushes, aerosol finish… It’s how you use these items that is most important, and we’re here to teach you. With our application techniques in hand you’ll be more confident about choosing stains and top coats, and finding the best application method for each.
MORE THAN VIDEO
In addition to the hands-on video instruction you’ll receive, this class provides you with some downloadable and helpful resources to print and keep, including a detailed Class Guide as a recap of the key points of the class instruction – you’ll find this very helpful as you decide which finishes to use, and create your finish shopping list. Also, you’ll get a Class Resources document that will give you information on the products you’ll see in the Class.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your WWGOA Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
George Vondriska
Formally trained as a Technology Education teacher, George Vondriska has been teaching woodworking since 1986, and has been the Managing Editor of Woodworkers Guild of America since 2007. In addition to teaching classes at his own Vondriska Woodworks School, George teaches at woodworking shows across the country and has taught woodworking for the Peace Corps/Swaziland, Andersen Window, Northwest Airlines, and the Pentagon. George has had numerous magazine articles published, from tool reviews to shop improvement projects.
Q: How do I know what the Class covers?A: Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Q: Do I have to be a Member of Woodworkers Guild of America to purchase a Class?A: No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on WWGOA Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great woodworking videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
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Q: How do I access/view my Class?A: Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Woodworkers Guild of America. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Classes” will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
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Q: Can I print out Class details?A: For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
Q: What are PDF downloads?A: These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Q: Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?A: Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Q: How do I contact WWGOA Academy?A: If your question is about the Class content, please use the Class Discussion benefit to ask your question online – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at wwgoasubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-253-0822. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
Getting ready for finish is as important (or perhaps more important) than the finishing process. From sanding to grain filling to pre-treating, let’s make sure your material is ready for finish before you make the first brush stroke. We’ll provide you with methods that eliminate blotchy finishes, prevent end grain from being darker than other surfaces, and lead to a silky smooth finish.
Session 2: Coloring Wood
13:03
Pigments are different from dyes, and we’ll show you the difference, plus talk about advantages and disadvantages of each. In addition to standard home center stains, we’ll explore aniline dye and look at the advantages it provides for your finishing work.
Session 3: Application Methods
11:15
Applying finish correctly is not as simple as wiping it on with any old rag. Wiping on can work, and we’ll show you how to create a shop-made finishing pad that helps reduce streaks in your finish. We’ll also discuss different types of brushes; which are best for water-based and solvent-based finishes, and what style of brush tip to look for to achieve optimal results.
Session 4: Top Coats
37:07
Before applying a top coat you need to understand what benefits it offers, and what disadvantages it may have. Furniture oil, shellac, lacquer, varnish, water-based finish… we’ll help you determine which finish is the best one for each project you build by explaining working characteristics, how much protection it provides, and what it takes to get a smooth top coat.
Session 5: Class Summary
0:50
George wraps up this class with a reminder to practice the fundamental finishing techniques you learned, and you’ll be on your way to making every one of your future projects look their very best.
Class Q&A Resource
Access to the Q&A Resource for this
Class is available with purchase.
