not the best
I found myself nearly 80 pages into this book and still had not learned anything new. I put it down. I had a long weekend, so I picked up and read the rest. It was there I discovered a few factual errors that is likely to get a neophyte into trouble. Turpentine is not the same as mineral spirits. They work similarly, but are different products. Most every product labeled Tung Oil _FINISH_ is not tung oil and does not contain tung oil. They are either thinned varnish (wiping varnish) or oil-varnish blends (with linseed oil). Thrown into the mix is "Danish Oil" that is never really explained. To top it all off is the dreaded linseed oil + turpentine + vinegar concoction that is a disaster for furniture.
A reader at any level would be much better off getting Bob Flexner's Understanding Wood Finishes and cut through the myths and misleading labels.
The book's owner (a relative) offered it to me for free and I declined.
Bruce Johnson taught me everything I know...
Way, way back, before DIY and HGTV and do-it-yourself shows, there was Bruce Johnson. This book is a reissue of an older version of the book, and it's still as relevant today as when I first bought it.
I've refinished furniture (including antiques), refinished a room full of kitchen cabinets, redid all the woodwork in my house, all with this book as a guide. It's well written, simple enough for a beginner (as I was), and makes SENSE. Nothing silly or extraneous here. Just all good, solid information, written in an engaging style, and easy for the beginner to master.
I'm also now the Tung Oil Queen because of Bruce Johnson. It's simply his favorite finish, and mine, too (easy to apply, non plasticky like urethane, and it's a "living" finish; you rub it in, as many coats as you want, and it's easy to redo.)
Especially for the beginner, but even the expert can cull great tips and info from Bruce Johnson. I can't recommend this book highly enough, or Bruce Johnson, either!
Very Basic
No photo's to accompany text. Very cheaply put together as the paper that is used seems to be the type used in kindergarten class. Very dissapointing.
Helpful, But Too Gabby
I bought this book after reading the reviews on Amazon.com. While I found it helpful, I felt the author spent too much time writing about himself. Being a writer myself, I found the book too wordy. I want more direct information without all of the anecdotal stuff. Please get to the point! And while some of the points were good, many of my woodworking friends disagreed with some of the information.
I also bought "Finishes & Finishing Techniques" published by Taunton Press. It was a more expensive book, but I thought it was money better spent.
Great Book for Those of Us
Who have no clue where to begin with refinishing. I've had a dining table and chairs waiting *months*. Now I can get it done and feel *really confident* about being able to do myself.
(9 reviews)
