As we pass the millenium, people are looking back over the past century and are learning to value things that last. This is especially true in today's "throw-away" electronic culture. A well-built piece of furniture will last several generations and it may go through many transformations during its life. There is satisfaction in owning something that someone thought of well enough to keep in good repair while allowing it to acquire "character".

After we paint and/or glaze a piece of furniture, the finish is rarely complete until the new finish is aged. This is one of things we try to teach at Dundean Studios: how to take the "newness" out of a finish, gently age it to a certain point and then stabilize it for the next generation. The generic term for this is antiquing. These techniques can be used for both furniture and architecture.

Aged and painted furniture has a sophistication of look that will complement any decor.  Uninteresting, tired, boring furniture which has been given up for good can be rejuvenated by the use of advanced finishes learned in this class.   Whether you are a professional or inspired homeowner, this class is for you.

This is a hands-on class.  You will first learn how to prepare and paint a piece of furniture first, no matter how old and dirty. Then you will learn up to eight different finishes that you can put on your furniture to suit you or your client's own needs.

Students will work on moldings, panels and their own small pieces of furniture.

This is not a class where everybody works on the same generic wooden box. We make it difficult for ourselves and more informative for you by encouraging you to bring an old/new piece of furniture in for refinishing, repair or restoration. That way everybody can learn the ways to refinish/finish many different types of furniture.  Only bring in a piece you can carry by yourself.  Experiance has shown that bigger pieces can not be finished in this fast-paced class.

Painted Furniture: Kitchen Cabinets
One of the key rooms in a home receiving much attention now - for renovation or remodeling - is the kitchen. Learn how to update those old kitchen cabinets or duplicate the expensive finished cabinets that are so much in demand now. Learn preparation and finishing, along with antiquing, distressing, shabby chic and more. Appropriate finishes are demonstrated. Students will work on moldings, panels and small cabinet doors and may bring in their own cabinet doors or drawer fronts.

Finishes:
Techniques for clear finishing furniture and cabinets to achieve a smooth finish will also be demonstrated and used. All finishes (except some primers) will be water-based.  Techniques for clear finishing furniture and cabinets to achieve a smooth finish will also be demonstrated and used.

Some of the exciting finishes/products that you will learn could include: