Upholstery 10, 20, 30: Curriculum Guidelines

Module 21: Wood Refinishing (Optional)

Suggested time: 16 - 24 hours
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisite: Modules 2 and 7

Foundational Objectives

To develop workplace skills, knowledge, and attitudes that may lead to successful employment.
To provide students with experience in the upholstery industry that will enable them to make informed career decisions.
To demonstrate safe working practices for the upholstery industry.
To develop independent decision-making skills pertaining to the upholstery industry.

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

To participate in activities which focus on problem solving in which students develop their own perspectives and give reasons for their conclusions. (CCT)
To develop skillful use of technology that may lead to successful employment. (TL)
To develop a responsible attitude toward the safety of oneself and others. (PSVS)

	Learning Objective	Notes
		Where wood refinishing is required, students should be aware that these refinishing techniques may not be compatible to the upholstery shop environment.
21.1	To follow safe refinishing procedures. (PSVS)	Safety issues concern the toxic corrosive nature of the materials used to either strip or remove old finishes. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System sheets (WHMIS) must be available and explained so proper first aid care can be immediately performed if necessary. Caution: Safety glasses and/or safety masks and solvent resistant gloves must be worn. Caution: Aprons prevent damage to clothing. Work must be done in a well-ventilated area. Some form of respirator or painter's mask may be necessary if the airflow is restricted.
21.2	To be able to assess damage to furniture and identify refinishing repairs required. (CCT)	Assess the damage and determine the work required to refinish the furniture. Make a decision if the furniture is worth refinishing. Refer to Module 14 for additional information, or send the furniture out for repair if the damage is too extensive.
21.3	To separate loose joints. (TL)/td>	To minimize damage to wood, use a scrap piece of wood under the loose joint and tap with a hammer until separated.
21.4	To clean separated joints. (TL)	Old glue must be removed from the joint with a chisel, file, knife, or other tool. Replace all dowels that are not secure and in good repair. Wood dowels are stronger and less intrusive than metal screws or nails and should be used if possible. Some metal angle plates or brackets may be considered if they are unseen. Pre-drill all screw holes.
21.5	To select a method of chemical refinishing. (CCT)	There are two common methods for chemically removing finishes from furniture: strippers and refinishers. Strippers can be used to remove paint, varnish, lacquer, polyurethane, and the original stain. Refinishers are used to dissolve varnish and lacquer without removing the original stain. If the furniture is antique, discuss the merits of not refinishing and potential of diminished value when antique furniture is refinished improperly.
21.6	To use stripper. (CCT)	Identify the type of finish to be removed.
21.7	To apply stripper. (TL)	Apply the stripper with a paint brush or a small piece of foam. Always dispose of any used foam. Foam will expand when used, but will not deteriorate unless used for a long period of time. It will not require cleaning.
21.8	To remove the finish.	Refer to directions on the product used.
21.9	To remove finish from carvings, joints and hard-to-reach places.	To remove the finish in difficult places, use a stiff brush or toothbrush. Steel wool may also be used to remove stubborn finish.
21.10	To prepare surface for restaining. (CCT)	Finish the surface by sanding with 100 grit sandpaper followed by 220 grit sandpaper. Thoroughly clean the surface prior to applying new stain.
21.11	To use refinisher. (CCT)	Determine the appropriate chemical remover for the job, considering furniture type and room ventilation.
21.12	To apply the refinisher. (TL)	Using steel wool or a scouring pad, apply the refinisher to a small area by rubbing in a circular motion. Expand the area worked on replacing the pads as required. Do not use sandpaper as it will remove the stain under the finish.
21.13	To prepare the surface for finish.	Use a final application of clean refinisher to do the final coat of the finish. Wipe clean with a cloth or paper towel.
21.14	To complete the finishing process. (CCT)	Determine the best chemical remover for the job. Ensure all glue joints are tight.
21.15	To apply varnish.	Ensure the surface is thoroughly clean. Brush on sanding sealer or varnish in an even coat. When dry, sand with 220 grit sandpaper, wipe clean, brush on a second coat, sand when dry and apply the final coat. Applying a thinned coat (75% finish and 25% thinner) of finish, will produce an even finish.
21.16	To spray finishes.	Use a pressure system or purchase an aerosol can of premixed lacquer from any upholstery supplier. When applying, use in a well-ventilated area. Practise on a test piece. The closer to the piece the sprayer is held, the thicker the finish will be and the greater the chance of runs. Caution: When using spray finishes, a spray mask and eye protection are recommended.
		Projects: Refer to recommended resource list for project ideas. Refinishing projects may come from furniture from customers, board office furniture, local library branch, second-hand stores and students' homes.