Wood Finishing for Beginners from Udemy

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Learning objectives

How to apply a simple transparent wood finish that looks stunning
How to stain interior wood to enhance colour and bring out its full glory.
How to create a maintainable oil finish that never needs stripping.

How to use coloured finishing oils for long-lasting beauty.
How to create stunning distressed chalked paint finishes
Tricks behind proper pre-finish sanding.

How to apply a simple transparent wood finish that looks stunning
How to stain interior wood to enhance colour and bring out its full glory.
How to create a maintainable oil finish that never needs stripping.
How to use coloured finishing oils for long-lasting beauty.
How to create stunning distressed chalked paint finishes
Tricks behind proper pre-finish sanding.

Syllabus

Section 1

How to Finish Interior Wood Like a Pro

Why Finish Wood?

Fresh, bare wood looks great, so why would anyone want to finish it? There are several reasons, but the main one is protection from stains, water and abrasion. This is true even for interior wood that’s finished. Bare wood is porous, and this means it picks up dirt and moisture easily. Even touching bare wood with dirty fingers can leave behind marks that can’t be wiped off. For rough, outdoor applications, wood can certainly be left bare. Interior wood, however, is rarely left unfinished.

Another reason for finishing wood is to enhance its appearance. Finishing benefits some woods more than others, but in all cases proper finishing results in greater beauty and more attractive grain patterns. Texture and tactile qualities are yet another reason wood gets finished. A smooth, sealed wood surface is more pleasant to touch and it’s certainly better for wiping down and keeping clean than bare wood. Also, different finishes result in somewhat different textures. A high-build varnish oil finish, for instance, has a different feeling under the hand than, say, urethane.

Begin with a piece of fine sandpaper. A piece of half-used 220-grit works well, because it’s lost some of its abrasiveness, or use a fresh piece of 320-grit. Wrap the paper around a a sanding block.

I use a piece of rigid foam insulation as a sanding block. For finish sanding, never use wood as a sanding block because it doesn’t have enough squishiness. You want something with a little bit of resilience, but not too much. Hand sanding now knocks off those dust bumps, and it doesn’t take much time or effort. Just draw the foam and sandpaper back and forth across gently, in the same direction as the wood grain.

At this stage, you're not trying to remove significant amounts of polyurethane; you’re just knocking off those little high spots. A little bit of movement of this sanding block is going to yield a much smoother finish. Use your fingertips to know when you’ve removed the high spots; in this situation they are much more sensitive than your eyes. You'll feel the difference immediately. The surface is going to be smooth, but it's not going to have an even sheen. Where a little more abrasion happens, the sheen will be dull; where less abrasion happens it's going to be shinier.

Next, you’ll refine the surface further, using non-woven abrasive pads. I use those rubbing pads with a random orbit sander. Remove the abrasive disk from the sander. Place the pad on the work surface, the sander on the pad, then switch ON. The sander causes the rubbing pad to vibrate, polishing the surface as it does.

If you want a shine-free finish or something with just a little bit of gloss to it, use only a fine abrasive pad. It'll smoothen the surface and add a bit of sheen plus a silky-smooth surface. If you want a shinier surface, follow this up with a second pass using a superfine pad and the random orbit sander. The more you buff, the shinier things get.

Staining can happen in several ways and with different products, but the idea is always to enhance appearance by adding colour. Staining involves one of two types of products:

Traditional liquid and gel wipe-on-and-wipe-off stains (my favourite for many situations).
All-in-one, wipe-on stain-and-seal products (good but with some drawbacks).

For ultimate smoothness, oil finishes can be buffed in the same way that urethane finishes can. The video below shows the buffing process as it’s applied to the table top refinishing job you saw in the previous video.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches multiple methods for finishing wood, allowing learners to explore different techniques and find what works best for their projects

Explores the use of oil finishes, which offer a maintainable and attractive alternative to traditional varnishes and lacquers

Covers the application of chalked paint and distressed milk paint, which are popular for creating antique-style finishes

Includes guidance on proper pre-finish sanding, which is essential for achieving a smooth and professional-looking result

Features instruction on applying urethane finishes, but learners should note that there may be newer products available

Discusses solvent-based oil finishes, which may require extra safety precautions and proper ventilation during application

Reviews summary

Practical wood finishing for beginners

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in wood finishing for beginners. Students highlight the practical techniques taught by the experienced instructor, Steve Maxwell, finding his explanations clear and easy to follow. Many reported achieving consistently good results on their projects after taking the course, especially appreciating the detailed guidance on proper sanding and applying common finishes like urethane and wipe-on poly. Some note the course is best suited for those with little to no prior experience, suggesting it may be too basic for intermediate users.

Some parts slow; production quality varies.

"Sometimes the pace felt a bit slow, but thorough."

"Video quality is okay, but not always polished or high-def."

"The demonstrations are clear despite not having fancy camera work."

Most beneficial for those with little to no experience.

"As a complete novice, this was perfect for me."

"If you have some finishing experience, this might be too basic."

"It's truly for beginners, teaching fundamentals step-by-step."

"Intermediate users might find it doesn't go deep enough..."

Covers essential beginner techniques well.

"The focus on proper sanding prep was invaluable; it makes all the difference."

"I learned the right way to apply urethane and wipe-on poly."

"The sections on oil finishes and chalk paint gave me new options."

"Covers the basic finishes I needed for my furniture projects."

Instructor is knowledgeable and explains things clearly.

"Steve Maxwell's years of experience really show in his clear explanations."

"He breaks down complex steps into easy-to-follow instructions."

"The way he explained sanding between coats was so simple and effective."

"His passion for finishing is evident and makes learning enjoyable."

Learn practical techniques for beautiful finishes.

"I finally got a beautiful finish on my tabletop after struggling for years."

"The tips on urethane were game-changers, giving me glass-smooth results."

"Applied the oil finish technique to a cutting board; it turned out perfectly!"

"My projects look professionally finished now thanks to this course."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Wood Finishing for Beginners with these activities:

Review Sanding Techniques

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Refresh your knowledge of sanding techniques to ensure a smooth and even base for your wood finishes.

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Review different sandpaper grits and their uses.
Practice sanding on scrap wood to get a feel for the pressure and technique.
Watch videos demonstrating proper sanding techniques.

Read 'Understanding Wood Finishing'

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Read this book to gain a deeper understanding of the science and art of wood finishing.

View Understanding Wood Finishing, 3rd Revised... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Understanding Wood Finishing'.
Read the chapters relevant to the finishes covered in the course.
Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Practice Applying Urethane Finish

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Practice applying urethane finish on scrap wood to master the technique and avoid common mistakes.

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Prepare several pieces of scrap wood.
Apply urethane finish to each piece, experimenting with different application methods.
Sand between coats as instructed in the course.
Evaluate the results and identify areas for improvement.

Four other activities

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Document Your Finishing Projects

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Create a visual record of your wood finishing projects to track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

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Take photos or videos of each stage of your wood finishing projects.
Write a brief description of the materials, techniques, and challenges encountered.
Organize your documentation in a digital or physical portfolio.

Refinish a Small Piece of Furniture

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Apply the techniques learned in the course to refinish a small piece of furniture, such as a side table or chair.

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Select a small piece of furniture to refinish.
Prepare the surface by stripping the old finish and sanding.
Apply the desired finish, following the techniques learned in the course.
Allow the finish to dry completely and apply additional coats as needed.

Explore 'Wood Finishing with Vance McDonald'

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Read this book to explore a different perspective on wood finishing techniques and projects.

View Putting Knowledge to Work on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Wood Finishing with Vance McDonald'.
Read the chapters that cover topics of interest to you.
Compare the techniques and approaches presented in the book with those taught in the course.

Help Others in Online Forums

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Reinforce your understanding of wood finishing by answering questions and providing guidance to others in online forums.

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Join online forums or communities dedicated to wood finishing.
Browse the forums for questions related to the topics covered in the course.
Provide helpful and accurate answers to the questions, drawing on your knowledge and experience.

Career center

Learners who complete Wood Finishing for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Hobbyist Woodworker

A hobbyist woodworker enjoys woodworking as a pastime, and this course helps them to create high-quality finishes on their projects. The course teaches various techniques for applying stains, oils, and finishes, which enables a hobbyist to get predictable, beautiful results. Instruction on using coloured oils and creating distressed painted looks expands the range of options for a hobbyist, helping them create the looks they imagine. With the tips in this course, a hobbyist will gain confidence in their ability to apply a great interior wood finish.

See salaries and explore the career path for Hobbyist Woodworker

Woodworker

A woodworker creates a variety of projects from wood and this course helps them achieve professional results with their work. The course teaches how to apply transparent finishes, stains, and oil finishes, as well as how to use coloured oils and create distressed, painted looks, which are all useful for different woodworking projects. By learning the techniques shared in this course, a woodworker will achieve reliable results in their finishing. In addition, the course provides the tricks behind proper pre-finish sanding, which is essential for a smooth and high quality end result. Learning to apply different kinds of finishes can help a woodworker offer a wider range of products and styles.

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Custom Furniture Builder

A custom furniture builder creates unique, bespoke furniture pieces for clients, and this course gives them the ability to achieve a range of wood finishing techniques. The ability to apply transparent finishes, stains, and maintainable oil finishes is necessary for customization, and this course's instruction makes this process predictable. The course teaches professionals to use colored oils and create distressed finishes, which will be useful when working with custom requests. Learning the proper sanding techniques discussed in this course ensures a quality outcome in this field.

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Furniture Maker

A furniture maker designs and builds pieces, often from wood, and this course helps them to master wood finishing techniques. The ability to apply stains, oils, and clear coats is essential for a high quality end product. This course teaches a variety of finishing processes using different methods including clear coats, stains, and oils, and will give a furniture maker the ability to reliably achieve different looks. The training in proper sanding techniques outlined in this course ensures a smooth surface, which is necessary for quality and longevity. Also, learning to choose and apply antique-style finishes, like chalked paint, can broaden the range of furniture styles a maker can offer.

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Cabinet Maker

A cabinet maker constructs and installs cabinetry, and this course helps them to produce beautifully finished surfaces. The course offers a selection of wood finishing techniques, including transparent finishes, staining, oil finishes, and painted finishes, which the cabinet maker can apply to their projects. This course's instruction on creating maintainable oil finishes and using coloured oils will be helpful for crafting high-quality, long-lasting cabinets. Also, learning how to properly sand before application ensures a smooth, professional result. These skills are essential in the creation of quality, durable, and visually appealing cabinets.

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Restoration Specialist

A restoration specialist repairs and refinishes damaged or antique wooden objects and this course provides useful skills in the process. The techniques taught in this course, including applying transparent wood finishes, staining to enhance color, creating oil finishes, and using coloured oils, are all directly applicable to the restoration process. Also, the course's focus on distressed and chalked paint finishes will be helpful in restoring antique pieces. This training gives a restoration specialist a range of options to restore pieces with both durability and beauty, and the buffing techniques for oil and urethane finishes can help bring old finishes back to life.

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Artisan

An artisan creates handcrafted items, and this course provides training on wood finishing techniques, which will be useful in creating high value objects. This course will help an artisan learn how to apply clear finishes, stains, and oils, and confidently achieve a smooth finish. The course's instruction on sanding, using different oils, and creating distressed finishes will help an artisan create a variety of looks for their product. Learning these varied methods will expand the possibilities and potential for the work of an artisan.

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Home Improvement Specialist

A home improvement specialist works on various projects to improve the aesthetic and functional aspects of houses, and this course gives them the ability to finish wood projects to a high standard. Learning how to apply transparent finishes, stains, and oil finishes will help a specialist complete projects with a desired look. Also, the course teaches multiple methods for finishing wood, which can create different looks, which provides more options for a home improvement specialist. This training also gives them the ability to handle any interior wood finishing project with confidence.

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Arts and Crafts Professional

An arts and crafts professional creates and sells handmade goods, and this course can help them offer a higher quality finished product. The varied methods and techniques taught in this course, such as how to apply transparent finishes, stains, oils, and chalked paint can be used in a variety of crafts. The ability to confidently and reliably finish different wood items will help an arts and crafts professional create a wider range of goods. Learning to use coloured oils and create distressed looks will also expand their artistic range.

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Carpenter

A carpenter constructs, repairs, and installs building frameworks and structures, and this course helps them to refine their wood finishing skills. The course teaches how to apply urethane, stain, and oil finishes, which are all useful in the work of a carpenter. Knowing how to predictably achieve a variety of looks with different wood finishes will improve a carpenter's ability to build to a high standard. The focus on sanding techniques will also help carpenters to create smooth, attractive finished surfaces.

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Exhibit Designer

An exhibit designer develops and designs displays for museums and other spaces, and this course provides practical skills in producing attractive wooden elements. This course contains instruction on pre-finish sanding, application of different finishes, and the use of colored oils, which will be useful in creating a variety of looks for exhibit components. Also, this course's instruction on chalked paint is useful for achieving specific visual styles. Understanding how to correctly apply finishes will give an exhibit designer the control needed to build sturdy, visually appealing exhibits.

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Interior designer

An interior designer plans and oversees the design of indoor spaces, and this course provides an avenue to understanding wood finishes. The course's focus on a variety of wood finishing techniques, from simple transparent finishes to distressed chalked paint, provides the designer a broad knowledge of the various looks available. Understanding how finishes affect wood will allow the designer to make informed recommendations for their clients. The ability to explain the benefits of different finishes, and guide clients in their selection, will be helpful to the work of an interior designer.

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Set Designer

A set designer creates the visual environment for theater, film, and television productions, and this course gives them insight into wood finishing. This course teaches a variety of techniques for finishing wood, including staining, applying oil finishes, and achieving distressed paint looks, all of which can be relevant to set design. A set designer may also find that learning to apply these finishes themselves will produce better results during a production. The ability to select the correct finish for any particular set piece will be helpful in this career field. For example, the course's lessons on chalked paint finishes are helpful for creating period-specific sets.

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Product Designer

A product designer conceives and develops consumer products, and this course may help a product designer understand wood finishing techniques. This course provides an overview of multiple wood finishing techniques that can be helpful to a product designer when they design wooden products. This course's instruction on different finishes, from transparent coats to distressed looks, will inform a designer about available options. This gives a product designer a comprehensive view of the possibilities when designing objects that include wood.

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General Contractor

A general contractor coordinates and oversees construction projects, and this course helps them understand wood finishing techniques for interior work. The course teaches finishing methods, like the application of transparent finishes, stains, and oils, all of which are useful in interior finishing work. This training ensures a general contractor can better understand the importance of finishing techniques, and it also allows them to communicate the value of such techniques to clients. Also, the course's explanations of pre-finish sanding allows a contractor to ensure smooth outcomes.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Wood Finishing for Beginners.

Understanding Wood Finishing, 3rd Revised Edition

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Comprehensive guide to wood finishing, covering everything from surface preparation to the application of various finishes. It provides detailed explanations of different types of finishes, their properties, and how to achieve specific looks. It valuable resource for both beginners and experienced woodworkers, offering in-depth knowledge and practical advice. This book is commonly used as a reference by industry professionals.

Understanding Wood Finishing, 3rd Revised Edition

Kindle Edition

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Offers a practical approach to wood finishing, focusing on techniques and projects that can be completed in a home workshop. It covers a range of finishes, including stains, varnishes, and lacquers, and provides step-by-step instructions for achieving professional results. While not as comprehensive as some other books, it good choice for beginners who want to learn the basics of wood finishing. This book is more valuable as additional reading than it is as a current reference.

Putting Knowledge to Work

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Putting Knowledge to Work

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Wood Finishing for Beginners

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Practical wood finishing for beginners

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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