Finishing Basics
1 Day: Sunday, October 26th, 2025, 10AM - 4PM
Tuition: $85 (Free for SBWI Members)
*Visit our website to become an SBWI Member for $12/month
Ages: 14 & Up
Instructor: Carolyn Racine
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: None
Program Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Program Description:
Do you have a nearly complete project at home that’s ready for that perfect finishing touch? (Or two? We all do!) Let’s tackle one together in this hands-on finishing workshop. We will demystify the many different wood finishes on the market and how to choose the right finish for your project. You will learn best practices for surface preparation, application methods, and achieving your desired aesthetics.
In the second half of the class, we will teach you how to properly mix, apply, and finish milk paint on your project. Milk paint is an environmentally friendly powdered form of paint that has been used for centuries. It is made from simple, 100% natural ingredients like milk protein (casein), lime, and natural pigments. It is known for its matte, chalky finish and can be used to cover virtually any surface. You will take home a jar of paint that you mix in class for experimenting at home.
Students are encouraged to bring in an unfinished project from home to complete during the class. We also have plenty of scrap wood available for testing finishes.
NOTE: This class will only cover applying finish to unfinished wood. This is not a class on stripping old finish and refinishing.
Learning Objectives:
Gain an understanding of the different types of wood finishes commonly used on fine furniture and how to choose the best finish for your project
Learn how to properly sand and prep furniture for a finish
Learn how to properly mix, store, and apply shellac
Learn how to properly apply oil-based finishes such as Real Milk Paint, Minwax, Osmo, Odie’s Oil, Heritage Natural Finishes, Sutherland Welles Tung Oil, and Tallahassee Tung Oil.
Learn about Walrus Oil cutting board oil, furniture wax, and Danish oil.
Learn about long-term care and maintenance of finished projects
Learn about and experiment with using different finishes on different species of wood and types of wood grain
Learn how to prepare surfaces for milk paint application, then properly mix milk paint, and apply layers for an even finish
Learn techniques for sealing and finishing painted surfaces
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have the skills and confidence to finish your projects with a professional, polished look that highlights the natural beauty of the wood.
We will provide gloves and disposable face masks for use in this class. You should also wear a respirator or mask specifically designed for protection against organic vapors and particulates when using certain wood finishes. Students will need to provide this themselves.
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 10
If you have any questions about this class, please contact the Administrative Office at (517) 759-3070 or email
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Special thanks to our sponsors Walrus Oil, Real Milk Paint, Osmo, Odie’s Oil, Heritage Natural Finishes, Sutherland Welles, and Tallahassee Tung Oil for supplying finishing products for this class!
Save 10% at Walrus Oil with code SBWI10
Save 15% at Real Milk Paint with code SBWI15
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