Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish Hardcover – June 23, 2005

There is a wealth of information on wood finishes and finishing techniques in this book. I have not found another book with as much good info all in one place. I learned a lot that I don't know, and the author saves you a lot of time (and money) by doing all the research to help make intelligent choices when buying wood finishes. The index is very good for finding specific things.

My previous written review was eradicated by this web site when I added a picture, so I will keep this short. I recommend this book for the depth he presents in his topics, but not for beginners. Instead I suggest his 101 book. I bought both. The Kindle version seems to be exactly the same as the hard copy, but there are good reasons to have a paperback version to use in the shop.Bob has done extensive work in providing photographs showing comparisons of treated wood along with his excellent text. He has LOADS of pictures to facilitate understanding. Those led me to make many tests in my own domain of projects.I have one criticism, not mentioned by others. Finishing is a very complex topic and for those really interested in the details, I recommend multiple readings. HOWEVER, I suggest he provide a table that summarizes compatibilities or non-compatible layering of chemicals. I used Varathane wood conditioner and didn't realize that it is incompatible, generally with anything else other than another polyurethane finish on top. Also, he doesn't deal with the topic of off-gas from polyurethane and how it affects the use of other finishes such as epoxy. (project shown in the picture, but not illustrating off-gas).Otherwise I recommend both of his books.

I'm new to the trade. This book on wood finishing has taught me a ton of stuff. For example, I now know that a stain does not protect the wood like a finish (like a clear polyurethane) does...stain is different then a finish. I also learned that I will stay away from lacquer because of it's fumes. I've learned what wood conditioning is, and that if you want the ends of the board to come out the same as the face when it comes to staining (the ends of the boards naturally absorbs more stain then the face) to sand the ends.I have also learned neat stuff like stains have 4 qualities: colorant (pigment or dye), amount of colorant to liquid ratio, binder (oil, varnish, lacquer or water base), and thickness. I have a much better understanding of the different kinds of finishes, that water based doesn't last as long as oil based.In the book the author states there is different between a varnish and polyurethane and lacquer. From what other people in the trade have been telling me lately varnish is not a really different finish then say polyurethane. Varnish is now used as a general term to mean any kind of finish.The book has extremely useful charts. My favorite chart is what makes a stain such as binder, solvent/thinner and so on. It covers other things like advanced coloring techniques, finishing the finish, an entire chapter that covers how to finish different woods, and how to repair damaged wood.Overall an excellent book that has given me the confidence to 1/2 way know what I am doing when it comes to wood finishing. Experience and experimenting will teach me even more.

Just received this book yesterday and have not had time to read with compehension the entire work. However, two immediate impressions. Or, comments. 1) not sure why, perhaps I haven't read it well enough yet, but there is very, very little focus, or information on making and using scrapers as part of the finishing process! I am just now learning about this very useful technique and would have found much more detailed information about this entire process very useful. Simply not there. It is mentioned in numerous places, but nothing about how-to. 2) The author spends a huge amount of material denigrating, justifying, and expressing a focused "de-bunking" of 'myths' surrounding oil-based finishes. Seems to have a very negative view of that procedure. I found much of this at least questionable as I've been using the process almost exclusively for 30 years with no failures that I am aware of. His research is admirable, and undeniably detailed and painstakingly documented, so it may just be a preference or style-based objection. Also, to acknowledge the information, and opinion he offers, none of my projects are 'outdoor' or subjected to harsh environmental conditions. Only indoor, protected. But have served well, with no complaints. Personally, I prefer the soft, delicate sheen and natural warmth, the possible polish available with oil-based, waxed, finishes, to any painted surfaces. Unless it's a severe-use, or outdoor surface, such as table-tops.That said, the book is a miracle of extraordinary research, detailed reportage and documentation. There are hundreds of charts and photographic details. The data regarding a large range of wood species, and conditions, and suggested finishing processes for each is helpul. I would see the book as a "pick and choose" compendium of finishing procedures, something like you might use an encyclopedia. Pick and choose what you need. Not all, by any means, of the inormation will be used by all readers/woodworkers. The book should address a very wide range of reader/woodworker skills and opinions. The book is already in my reference/manuals cubby in my shop Am sure will be referring to it many times in future.

Very, very good book!

excelente para amateurs como yo. realmente marca una diferencia.lo recomiendo ampliamente, todavia no lo acabo de leer, en cuanto lo haga actualizo.

Incredible fast delivery. It arrived the day after I ordered! I have not read it, but it seems very accurate and interesting.

This has been written and demonstrated so well that you can become a pro in wood finishing after practicing all the methods and processes as are provided in this book. I will like to call it the magna carta of wood finishing.

Questo testo affronta il tema della finitura su legno sotto molteplici aspetti, trattando argomenti che spaziano dalla verniciatura alla finitura a olio, alla levigatura.Ovviamente essendo in inglese bisogna avere una solida conoscenza della lingua anche per quanto concerne i termini tecnici, ma se non si hanno problemi in tal senso diventa un testo fondamentale sia per chi vuole imparare le basi, sia per chi vuole affinare le competenze già acquisite in materia.Super consigliato.