Staining and Polishing - Including Varnishing & Other Finishing

In this review of Staining and Polishing - Including Varnishing & Other Methods of Finishing Wood, With Appendix of Recipes, the book is recommended for woodworkers and hobbyists who want clear, historic techniques for finishing timber. The single biggest reason to buy is its comprehensive, practical coverage of staining, French polishing, varnishing and small remedial techniques that can be applied in a workshop. The text reads like a field guide for finishing, offering recipes and step-by-step approaches that make it useful as a reference during real projects.

Key Features

• Comprehensive coverage: Detailed chapters on stains, woods for staining and varnishes provide a one-stop reference for finishing decisions.
• Practical techniques: Descriptions of French polishing, oil and wax polishing give actionable methods suitable for workshop use.
• Repair guidance: Sections on matching and improving defects explain remedies for common polishing and varnishing faults.
• Specialty finishes: Guidance on stencilling, ornamental wood staining and inlaid work opens creative finishing options for projects.
• Appendix of recipes: The included recipes make it straightforward to mix stains, varnishes and glazes from basic materials.

Who It's For

Woodworkers, furniture restorers and serious hobbyists who want traditional finishing methods and clear recipes will find this book especially valuable. Its stepwise treatment of French polishing and varnishing is suited to readers who already have basic workshop skills and want to refine surface results.

Beginners who prefer modern, store-bought finishes or those seeking highly technical, chemical analyses of coatings may want a supplementary modern reference. The book is focused on practical procedures rather than lab-grade formulation data.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Thorough, practical instructions for a wide range of finishing techniques useful on real projects.
• Useful appendix of recipes that allows readers to mix and test finishes themselves.
• Coverage of repair and matching methods helps salvage and improve existing work.

Cons

• Approach is traditional and workshop-focused, so readers seeking modern synthetic product recommendations may need additional sources.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Staining and Polishing is a solid, practical reference for anyone who finishes wood by hand and wants clear instruction on traditional techniques. It delivers useful recipes and repair methods that extend its value beyond a single project, making it a good value for craftsmen who prefer hands-on finishing approaches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the book include recipes for mixing finishes?
Yes, an appendix contains recipes for stains, varnishes and related finishes so readers can mix materials themselves.

Is it suitable for beginners?
It is approachable but best suited to readers with basic workshop experience; absolute beginners may need supplementary modern product guidance.

Are repair methods covered?
Yes, the book includes sections on matching and remedying defects in polishing and varnishing.