Subject
Wood finishing Books
Best books
Richard Bitmead
French Polishing and Enamelling: A Practical Work of Instruction
"French Polishing and Enamelling: A Practical Work of Instruction" by Richard Bitmead is a practical guide focused on the techniques of furniture finishing, specifically written in the early 20th century. The work contains detailed instructions for achieving high-quality finishes using methods such as French polishing and enamelling, while also offering numerous recipes for creating polishing materials and varnishes. It serves as both an instructional manual for professionals in cabinetry and amateur hobbyists interested in wood finishing. The opening of this instructional manual provides insights into the origins of French polishing and its evolution over time, briefly alluding to earlier techniques that were commonly employed in furniture polishing. Bitmead begins by discussing the essential skills a proficient French polisher must possess, from understanding various types of wood to mastering staining techniques that enhance the appearance of lesser-quality materials. He emphasizes the importance of knowledge in process and material choice, as well as the careful preparations necessary for successful polishing. This sets a foundational tone for the rest of the book, indicating that readers will encounter a wealth of practical advice to elevate their furniture finishing skills.
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The hardwood finisher : $b with rules and directions, for finishing in natural colors and in antique, mahogany, cherry, birch, walnut, oak, ash, redwood, sycamore, pine, and all other domestic woods...
"The hardwood finisher: with rules and directions, for finishing in natural…" compiled and edited by Fred T. Hodgson is a technical handbook written in the late 19th century. The work serves as a comprehensive manual for the finishing of wood used in building construction and decoration, focusing particularly on hardwoods. Its primary audience is architects, carpenters, woodworkers, painters, and decorators interested in professional methods for preparing, finishing, staining, varnishing, and polishing both domestic and exotic woods. The opening of the book lays out the broad scope of wood finishing, noting its importance to a variety of building trades and emphasizing the evolution of woodworking from primitive functions to sophisticated decorative arts. Hodgson explains his approach, which is to extract the most reliable techniques from a variety of sources and supplement them with his own experience, while keeping the focus tightly on wood used for buildings. The initial chapters introduce key concepts such as selecting proper wood, preparing surfaces, hiding fastenings, sanding, and preventing common defects. Detailed guidance is provided on the use and composition of fillers, differences between open- and close-grained woods, and the best materials and methods for achieving durable and attractive finishes. The section then progresses into step-by-step practical instructions on filling, staining, shellacking, varnishing, wax finishing, rubbing, and French polishing, catering to both standard and high-end finishes, and concludes with a segue to specific guidance on individual wood species starting with oak. This thorough introduction sets a clear, methodical and practical tone for the book as a trusted resource for serious wood finishers.
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