In this practical guide to finishing wood Brian Baron explains the skills and processes needed to prepare wood, from the initial stages of stripping through to polishing and varnishing. He gives a grounding in the techniques of staining and French polishing on which to experiment with unusual finishes and colours. There is a section which shows how to remove bruises and water stains, and the author gives instructions on the simulation of an antique finish. Applying polish, blinding out and burnishing are described, and a chapter on colour schedules provides both traditional and more modern ideas for surface decoration. The special finishes include enamelling, scumbling and ebonizing. The author holds the Licentiateship of the City and Guilds of London Institute.