Finishing is one of the most popular and challenging woodworking topics. This accessible book by finishing pro Michael Dresdner uses a Q&A format to address the most commonly asked finishing questions in a logical way.

Youll find this book is long on solutions, not theory -- so it wont take hours to digest. Youll want to keep this essential guide on hand throughout the finishing process -- from sanding to final polish.

Discover answers to questions like these:

• What finish should I use for a front door?
• Do I need to sand between each coat when I'm finishing?
• Can I lighten a stain that looks too dark?
• How do I fix a dent that's too deep to sand out?
• What finish is best for items that come in contact with food?
• Can I use a foam brush to apply varnish and polyurethane?
• How can I avoid drips and runs when I spray finish?
• How do I get a uniform stain color on different color woods?

About the author
Michael Dresdner is a nationally known finishing expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. He is the author of The Woodfinishing Book, The New Woodfinishing Book, and Build Like a Pro: Painting and Finishing.

Introduction

1. The Right Finish

2. Preparing to Finish

3. Application Tools and Methods

4. Using Solvents and Strippers

5. Achieving the Right Color and Sheen

6. Repairing Finishing Disasters

7. Maintaining and Caring for Finishes

The time has come for a finishing book that answers your finishing questions as they arise, instead of forcing you to read an entire textbook on finishing. After all, when you are trying to put out a fire, you don't want a comprehensive treatise on fire control. You want a fire extinguisher.

That is precisely what this book is. It is a collection of the most commonly asked finishing questions, divided into logical chapters, with clear, concise answers on how to avoid finishing problems and how to fix finishing problems. It answers the questions you have about finishing just the way you ask them. When you have a problem, simply look up the solution. Isn't that better than having to read a whole book to find out one fact?

Wood Finishing Fixes should get you out of almost any jam during the finishing process, but as you can see by its size, it does not go into great detail. If you need a more in-depth discussion on how to accomplish some of the techniques alluded to in these pages, you'll find the answers in The New Wood Finishing Book or Build Like a Pro: Painting and Finishing. Both books give more complete descriptions of exactly how to choose, apply, color, rub out, and repair finishes. But keep Wood Finishing Fixes in the workshop within easy reach, and it will save you time and aggravation when finishing your projects.

On the off chance that I still have not covered your most pressing question, don't worry. Go to my home page, "Ask Dresdner," at www.michaeldresdner.com and click on the "Consulting" button. Email your question to me, and I'll make sure you get the answer.