Discover the essentials of how to transform the finish of up to two pieces of furniture, as well as learning in-depth technical skills in the application of contemporary paint techniques, furniture redesigning and woodcare.

You may work on up to two pieces of furniture (dependent on size), allowing you to go through the full process within three working days. See preparation for guidance on suitability. Mid-twentieth Century charity shop finds can make perfect source material.

The course covers the following:

• Health and Safety
• Contemporary wood finishes
• Tools and personal set-up list
• Eco-friendly stripping techniques
• Sanding techniques
• Staining and grain fillers
• Aftercare

Contemporary paint finishing:

• Health and Safety
• Concept mock-up on paper – including colours, design, materials needed
• Materials discussion
• Sanding stripping and eco-friendly stripping techniques – key techniques
• Stain blocking, priming, knotting and undercoating
• Painting, paint conditioners, rolling and cutting back techniques
• Paint varnish techniques
• Hardware discussion (if required, you will need to bring hardware with you)
• A discussion on start-up business advice, staging and photography of finished items

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply most of the materials, including eco stripping agents, white spirit, abrasives, grain fillers, French polishing mops and rubbers, stains, stain blocks, acrylic interior eggshell (limited colours), paintbrushes, hard wax oils, shellacs, waxes, masking and varnishes.

What students need to bring

• Two (three maximum) pieces of furniture to work on (ideally stripped). Charity shops are often a good source of suitable items to bring to the course. Suitable pieces are a chest of drawers, a small dining or coffee table (which fit in your car), a couple of dining chairs. Ideally, bring two projects to discuss, and give options, though you may not be able to complete both within the course. Please do not bring valuable or precious furniture to work on. Please email a photo of your furniture to [email protected] for the tutor to see at least two weeks before the course.

• Little Greene Paint Company acrylic eggshell paint in colour of your choice

• Apron/overalls and sturdy covered footwear are essential in this workshop

• Thick gloves for eco stripping and sanding (chemical resistant nitrol gauntlets or gloves, available from building suppliers)

• Any new hardware, e.g. new handles or hinges, you are likely to need for your furniture

• Notebook and pen/pencil

Additional information

Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

Terms & Conditions