Adventures in Wood Finishing

"I hate painting." Everyone near me has heard those words more than once.But in my workshop it's starting to make sense. I credit George Frank (1903-1997), Peter Gedrys, and a few others magicians of finishing and refinishing.George Frank's "Adventures" is a combination how-to plus war stories from decades of experience. The technical side is easy to read, and much of that is moderately easy to follow--just what I needed to move beyond the sandpaper stage to actually put a serious finish on projects after many hours of planning and woodworking. Modern materials that are easily available on Amazon or from good woodworking stores are described, along with some of their predecessors such as boiled acorn shells or manure. Recognize that that key ingredients in fine finishing are elbow grease and patience.This book is beautifully readable. The prose is crisp. Descriptions are vivid. Adventures are almost unbelievable. It makes for a hard-to-put-down book.George Frank published this book in 1981 at the age of 78. He wrote six articles for Fine Woodworking, some of which are excerpts from this book. He also wrote "Wood Finishing with George Frank" (1988) which has the advantage of color printing. "Adventures" has some black-and-white pictures. It would be wonderful if some of the pieces mentioned in 1981 could be found today and freshly photographed.Another old book with great advice on French polishing is Richard Bitmead's "French Polishing and Enameling: A Practical Work of Instruction" (Kindle publication 2011, hardcover fourth edition 1910, London). Bitmead wrote this some time after 1823. He worked in London. Many technical terms for ingredients of the day are a challenge for modern readers. Bitmead does give some great insight into the English method of French polishing but the ingredients mentioned seem so unfamiliar that the book takes real patience and perseverance to find the nuggets it holds. (Spoiler alert: you WILL find nuggets.) By contrast, George Frank's book is as readable as a romance novel.This book is more of a classic than I realized. While at a woodworking store yesterday I mentioned this book. The two guys I was talking with both knew it instantly!It may seem hard to believe. Am I just a woodworking geek? But honestly, I had trouble putting the book down and was sorry it ended so soon. George Frank was a magician. You still won't find me volunteering to paint a house, or even a living room, but in my workshop the finishing of wood projects has improved due to this book. Five stars, easy.

Excellent book. Inspiring and detailed in the art of wood finishing.

I am a novice wood finisher, looking to expand my knowledge on the topic. I found this book extremely enjoyable, filled with philosophy and tips from a true master of the craft. It is not primarily a how-to book, but rather a richly worded explanation of how the craft was expanded in the hay day of true master craftsmen. Most of the examples are from many years ago, when many things were custom made, one of a kind. I highly enjoyed this book, and promptly read it cover-to-cover in a pleasant afternoon.

Fun stories about the old days of wood working/finishing in Europe. It is more fun to read than one might imagine. Note the price for a new copy is near two hundred dollars ! I am glad I bought this book and can reread it over and over. Contains some practical how to info also. This is world class wood finishing by one of the all time masters for some of the most demanding customers on the planet.If the reader is interested in high end wood working they will enjoy and treasure this book !

The author is definitely very knowledgeable and there are a lot of great stories throughout the book – it isn't simply a reference text. The only thing that I don't entirely like about the book is that the stories are sometimes a bit disjointed and the information on a given topic can seem a bit scattered throughout the book.

If you love wood, wood working, want to do some old-school wood finishing, or simply like a good story, you'll love this book. Frank was the real deal, and his book will not only inform but inspire you to try to enter his world...Where you may well find other more technical tomes to be too dry, this fast read will definitely keep your brush line wet...

It is rare that a book is both informative and entertaining, but this book fully fits that description. Frank grew up in post WWI europe and tells stories that also instruct. Frank is a master at coloring and finishing wood, whose life spanned 94 years. His advice is timeless, and the book, published in 1981, covers most finishing materials available today, as well as, finishing materials and methods that seem bygone now. Any woodworker will find this an incredible story.

Tastfully written account of a man who wrote the book on early finishing development.'Colorful' stories and accounts that take the reader on a journey to the European melting pot of furniture production in this early time period. Great technical information dressed in wonderful tales of George Frank's workplaces, employers and friends. Not to be missed!

Swell. In nice shape

The publication is just what I required for my studies For my 2 year HND course in Restoration of furniture and Design.

Great book. I'm reading this book right now. Very interresting book for the informations includes and story about finisshing wood in that tine 1930- and more.